HISTORICAL SKETCHES 



AND 



INCIDENTS, 



ILLUSTRATIVE OP THE 



ESTABLISHMENT AND PROGRESS OF 



UNIVERSAL ISM 



IN THE STATE OF NEW YORK. 



BY S. R- SMITH- 



BUFFALO: 
Steele's press. 



1843. 




Entered according to tbe Act of Congress in the year 1843, by 
Stephen R. Smith, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of 
the Northern District of New York. 



1~2- ^ 1— 



PREFACE. 



The work herewith presented to the public, originated 
In the request of one of our many Editors of religious pa- 
pers, for a series of articles in some way connected with 
the progress of Universalism. The suggestion gave rise 
to the preparation of several incidents arranged in the 
order of time in which they occurred — and these again in- 
duced the addition of the historic sketches embodied in 
the following pages. 

The consideration that the time was rapidly approach- 
ing when many of the facts here recorded, would be for- 
gotten — -that the time of our denominational infancy, and 
weakness, and reproach, was passing away forever — and 
that the very names of several devoted ministers would 
soon cease to be known save by their personal friends — 
seemed to demand some similar undertaking. But by 
whom should it be performed ? Death had long since re- 
moved some, others had settled in other and distant 



PREFACE. 



states — and none except the writer remained, who would 
probably ever perform the work. It is therefore offered to 
the public, and especially to the denomination, instead 
of a better from more competent hands. 

No pretensions are made to a full and adequate history 
of Universalism in the state of New York. The bio- 
graphical notices, so far from being intended to be cir- 
cumstantial — are merely designed to give an idea of the 
times and position of the men. And whether living or 
dead, the author has spoken of them as the public es- 
teemed them— *or as he knew them. 

The author makes no apology for obtruding himself so 
often upon the reader's notice. He only regrets, that he 
had not the ability to keep himself wholly out of sight, 
in the relation of facts in which he has been a constant 
actor for more than thirty years. 

It will be perceived that the present little volume in- 
cludes but a small portion of our progress as a denomina- 
tion. Should the time and health of the writer permit, 
and other circumstances seem to require, the same gene- 
ral plan will be followed in farther attempts to supply 
what is here omitted. 

That the past progress of what is believed to be the 
cause of truth, may be the pledge of its future triumph, 
is the earnest prayer and confident hope of 

S. R. SMITH. 

Buffalo, August, 1843. 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 

That the doctrine of the final holiness and 
happiness of all mankind, was occasionally 
preached in the city of New York, from, and 
after the year 1770, appears from the biog- 
raphy of Rev. John Murray;, who, though 
not the first public advocate of the restitu- 
tion on the continent, may yet be considered 
the father of universalism in America. But 
the engrossing and exciting affairs of the 
Revolution, and the deep subsequent in- 
terest felt by all classes in the establishment 
of the new government, prevented for a 
time, the advancement of this great doctrine 
in the public mind. The i4 bread of life" had 
indeed been cast upon the waters when they 
were greatly troubled; but it was not lost. 
And after a quarter of a century had passed 
away, successful endeavors were made for 

1* 



6 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES* 



the establishment of Universalism in that 
city. . A small congregation was finally 
gathered, which under the ministry of the 
late Mr. Edward Mitchel, occupied for sev- 
eral years, a building in Pearl-street — but 
eventually located and built the large brick 
church, corner of Duane-street and City 
Hall Place. 

To this congregation, Mr. Mitchel con- 
tinued to minister in a very acceptable man- 
ner, during his life. He was generally es- 
teemed for the goodness of his heart, and the 
manliness and frankness with which he 
avowed his sentiments. By his friends, he 
was considered eloquent- — and he was be- 
yond doubt, capable of expressing his views 
with great fluency and effect. With strong 
feelings and ardent attachments, he was em- 
phatically a bigot to his own opinions; and 
this distinctive feature of his character, ren- 
dered him in the- pulpit, occasionally dogmat- 
ical and censorious. Like Mr. Murray, he 
was a Sabellian — and quite orthodox in the 
usual sense of that term, in nearly every 
thing else, except the doctrine of the resti- 
tution. But while his charities extended in 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



7 



ample expressions of kindness and courtesy 
to all classes of trinitarian christians, he 
made little pretension to any for Unitarian 
Universalists. These he repelled, and rep- 
robated in no measured terms; and won 
both his hearers and the converts to his faith, 
principally from the ranks of those who like 
himself, had little sympathy for the denom- 
ination. 

It will be inferred, that Mr. Mitchel never 
identified himself with Universalists as a fel- 
low-laborer. On the contrary, he disclaim- 
ed all connexion with — all fellowship for 
them, in the most explicit terms. For many 
years, he, and his respectable congregation 
stood apart from all fraternity with the reli- 
gious world around them; sustaining them- 
selves reputably, and gradually increasing in 
number, influence and resources. They have 
the merit of making the first favorable im- 
pression upon the public mind respecting the 
great doctrine of the restitution; and of lay- 
ing the foundation of truth deep and endur- 
ing, in many hearts, in the city of New 
York. Since the death of Mr. Mitchel in 
1827, his congregation after several unsuc- 



e 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



cessful efforts to preserve its identity, has 
broken up; and many of its members have 
united with the more recent Universal- 
is!; churches in that city, entertaining the 
views and holding the fellowship of the de- 
nomination. 

CENTRAL NEW YORK. 

It was not until 1802, that Universalism 
was preached in the state of New York, be- 
yond the immediate vicinity of the city — 
unless perhaps, in some of the towns border- 
ing on Vermont. In the summer of this 
year, Mr. Edwin Ferris — a plain man of 
Quaker habits, but of very good common 
sense, visited what is now the town of But- 
ternuts, Otsego County, and delivered to the 
few and scattered inhabitants, the message 
of Universal salvation. In the following 
year, he removed his family from New Eng- 
land and settled in that town — continuing his 
ministry there, and in the neighboring set- 
tlements. It is probable that Mr. Ferris 
never wholly devoted his attention and his 
labors to the work of the ministry. He ap- 
pears in the first instance, to have entertain- 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



ed some prejudices against receiving what is 
called ' ministerial support;' and it is certain 
that the general circumstances of the recent 
population were favorable to the gratification 
of his choice in this particular. Much of 
his time was therefore spent in the improve- 
ment and cultivation of a farm; though he 
seldom suffered his secular avocations to 
prevent an attendance on his ministerial du- 
ties. And in addition to his services on Sun- 
day, he was often called to tender the con- 
solations of the gospel to mourners, on fu- 
neral occasions. At this time, and during 
many succeeding years, whatever may have 
been the peculiarities or prejudices of Mr. 
Ferris, he faithfully devoted his talents to the 
interests and advancement of Universalism 
— cheerfully enduring the ignominy and re- 
proach of its profession, and rejoicing in its 
triumphs. He entertained high and just 
views of the necessity of an elevated moral- 
ity in the professors of religion — and espe- 
cially in the professors of Universalism. — 
And he was among those who saw and felt 
the necessity and propriety of a sound sys- 
tem of discipline — and was vigilant to fasti- 



10 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



diousness, of what he deemed the rights of 
the laity, and of individual congregations. 
His policy appears to have been, to restrict 
the power of ecclesiastical bodies, to subject 
ministers to well denned rules of discipline, 
and to leave societies to the management of 
their own concerns. 

In the summer of 1804, Mr. Miles T. 
Wooley, located in the town of Hartwick, 
Otsego Co. — in the neighborhood of Mr. 
Ferris, where he also commenced preaching 
the restitution. This seems to have been a fa- 
vorable location; and had the capabilities and 
worth of the preacher been equal to his ad- 
vantages of place, the best results would 
have been realized. A successful attempt 
was made to form a society in this tow T n, 
sometime in March 1803; and it is believed, 
that a constitution was adopted and subscri- 
bed by about twenty-five members. This was 
undoubtedly the first Uni versa list society, 
organized in the state of New York. But 
the eccentricities and immoralities of Mr. 
Wooley prevented his usefulness, and must 
have had an injurious effect upon the society. 
He was suspended from the fellowship of the 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



11 



order, on the first organization of a proper 
council; and formally expelled in June of 
the following year. 

In 1805, Mr. Nathaniel Stacy— a good 
man, and a most faithful, persevering and de- 
voted minister, visited and preached in parts 
of Oneida, Madison, Otsego and Chenango 
Counties; and in the course of the season, 
societies were formed in Whitestown, (now 
New Hartford,) Hamilton and Brookfield. 
From this time, the affairs of the infant de- 
nomination assumed an aspect of order; and 
early measures were taken for the establish- 
ment of a system of discipline and church 
government. In July of this year, appeared 
the germ of the Western, (now Central,) 
Association of Universalists in the state of 
New York, in a public conference held at 
Burlington, Otsego County. This confer- 
ence was attended by the three preachers al- 
ready named, and by two or more lay dele- 
gates from each of the respective societies. 
The conference resolved, that it was expe- 
dient to form an Association, and that appli- 
cation be made to the " General Convention 
of Universalists" in New England at its ap- 



1*2 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



proaching session, for aid and counsel to en- 
able them to carry said resolution into effect. 
In September following, a committee of that 
body, was appointed, to attend and assist in 
the organization of the contemplated associ- 
ation. This Committee attended according- 
ly, and the " Western Association of 
Universalists" was duly organized on 
Wednesday the 5th day of June, 1806, in 
the town of Columbus, Chenango County, 
New York. The societies in Hartwick, 
Whitestown, Hamilton and Brookfield, by 
their delegates and preachers, constituted the 
Association; and a society in Stamford, Del- 
aware County, was received into fellowship 
during the session. 

During the early times of the Association, 
it was the friendly practice — and a good one 
it was, for the General Convention to send a 
Committee of its body, to visit its respective 
sessions. Singular or incredible as this may 
now seem — such committees w r ere most 
punctual in their attendance, even when 
forced to travel in no very commodious man- 
ner, and at their own expense, some two or 
three hundred miles. And yet this was 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



13 



done as a matter of course, from year to 
year; and often by the same individuals. — 
Such labors and sacrifices are neither under- 
stood nor appreciated by the masses of so- 
ciety. Indeed, when performed as in this 
instance, by the advocates of an unpopular 
system of religion — -it frequently happens 
that so far from being considered meritori- 
ous, they are regarded and treated as only 
worthy of execration. And the very things, 
which if done for the advancement of some 
popular scheme, would have excited the sur- 
prise and admiration of all classes, are gen- 
erally esteemed as the empty and idle ma- 
noeuvres of desperate men, for the purpose 
of spreading imposture and falsehood. Such 
has been the fate of nearly all the reformers 
who have labored and suffered in the cause 
of humanity — and such, it will probably con- 
tinue to be, until men shall cease to be gov- 
erned by their interests and prejudices,rather 
than by candor and common sense. But 
He, who has made lime the instrument of 
correcting many errors, and who by its ope- 
ration has vindicated successive reformers — • 
will vindicate the men who like them oppo- 
2 



14 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



sed prevailing corruption and preached a pur- 
er gospel. 

The session of the " Western Associa- 
tion," w T as held in 1807, in the village of N. 
Hartford, Oneida Co., and appears to have 
been one, from which the friends drew much 
encouragement. As on the preceding year, 
several of the most influential members of 
the General Convention, attended; and the 
business of the council, and also the public 
services, were so conducted, as to make a 
very favorable impression on the public 
mind. 

During this session, a Constitution and Pro- 
fession of Faith, were reported and adopted. 
This Constitution prescribed the limits of the 
Association — ample enough, as they included 
the entire portion of the state of New York 
lying west of the Hudson River. This vast 
tract of country, did not however at the 
time, reckon among its population 500 pro- 
fessed Universalists. The profession of faith 
was the same as had been previously adopt- 
ed by the General Convention, and compri- 
ses the belief — " In one God, whose nature 
is love, one Lord Jesus Christ, who gave 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



15 



himself a ransom for all men — and one Holy 
Spirit of grace, which will finally sanctify 
and save all mankind. That the Scriptures 
of the Old and New Testaments, contain a 
revelation of the character and w 7 ill of God; 
and of the duty, interest and destiny of the 
human race. And that believers ought to 
maintain order and practice good works be- 
cause these things are good and profitable to 
men." This profession of faith had already 
been adopted by the few organized churches 
of the order; and has very generally been 
made the basis of the church compacts and 
formulas of faith existing in the denomina- 
tion. 

The original organization of the society 
in Whitestown, appears to have been under 
a Confession of Faith and Covenant, which 
constituted its members a christian church. 
The constitution, or by-laws which it ap- 
pended, provided accordingly for the regular 
administration of the ordinances — and the 
Eucharist or Lord's Supper, was usually ad- 
ministered once in three months, when the 
society had a pastor. Baptism by affusion 
or immersion, was sometimes chosen by can- 



16 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



dictates, either because they had not previ- 
ously received it, or because some particular 
mode was preferred. And whenever desir- 
ed, it was administered in the form pointed 
out by the candidate. A similar, if not the 
same compact was adopted by the society 
in Hamilton; and probably by all — at least 
nearly all the earlier organized societies in 
the state. So that nothing could be more 
slanderous than the oft repeated assertion of 
the enemies of the restitution, that " Uni- 
versalists had neither churches nor ordinan- 
ces." They had both, from their first estab- 
lishment in central New York; and continue 
to have them, in almost every place where 
the circumstances of the congregation will 
warrant similar organizations. 

There is one distinctive and benevolent 
feature in the constitution of Universalist 
societies — which if not peculiar to the de- 
nomination, is probably not generally known 
— certainly not by other sects. It is a pro- 
vision for the poor.. And so faithfully is this 
pledge redeemed, that very few instances 
can be found in which destitute Universahsts 
have been thrown upon the public charities. 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES 



11 



This regulation may not be adopted in every 
congregation— but as it was an important 
particular in all the older societies, whose 
compacts gave tone and form to others, it is 
probably the general rule with the denomi- 
nation in New York. And it is certainly de- 
sirable that it should become universal, even 
though circumstances have neither rendered 
it necessary in every instance, nor human 
foresight provided for the contingency. The 
instances in which the blessings of this sin- 
gle provision, have been tested, are happily 
few. But these have shown that small do- 
nations when accompanied with advice and 
encouragement, was sufficient to preserve 
even the sick and indigent from despondency 
and degradation. 

And it may not be improper, to view such 
social provision in the light of example — and 
to estimate the sum of comfort which may 
be diffused over the christian world by its 
general adoption. It is vain to say that man- 
kind will refuse to learn from those they dis- 
like. They never dislike a known good; and 
if Universalists practically carry out a be- 
nevolent regulation — others will at least pro- 
fit by their example. 2* 



18 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES, 



It does not appear that any additional so- 
cieties were received into fellowship at this 
session — and it is fair to presume that none 
had been formed in the state during the pre- 
ceding year. But it should not therefore be 
inferred that Universalism had made no pro- 
gress. It had been preached in many places 
to good congregations, during that time; and 
'had found a favorable reception in many 
minds which yet waited to learn " the way 
of the Lord more perfectly.' 7 It w T as not in 
the nature of things, that the labors of the 
indefatigable Stacy, should prove fruitless. 
He had now been located in this part of the 
state, for some two years — several societies 
had organized during his first temporary 
visit; and he had since searched out and 
preached in every accessible neighborhood. 
His unpretending manners, his devout sincer- 
ity, his untiring but temperate zeal, his un- 
compromising fidelity and christian charity, 
not only made him a favorite among the lib- 
eral minded by whom he was greatly es- 
teemed — but won for him the respect of can- 
did opposers, and sometimes divested even 
bigotry itself of half its exclusiveness. A 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES, 



19 



number of respectable congregations had 
been gathered by his labors; and the same, 
and probably equal influences had been ex- 
erted, as would have been, under a more 
formal organization. The principal, if not 
the only difference in result, was, that the 
Association was not aware of its actual 
strength. 

1808. The Association met this year in 
Hartwick, Otsego Co. — and without receiv- 
ing any accession of societies, appears to 
have derived encouragement from other con- 
siderations. Among these, should most prob- 
ably be reckoned, the settlement of an addi- 
tional minister in the town where the session 
was held. For hope was then young, and 
numbers were counted strength. Mr. James 
Babbitt had already— or soon after the meet- 
ing of the association, located in Hartwick; 
but subsequently, after some two or three 
years of profitless labors, he removed from 
that region of the state. 

It had been the custom of the members of 
the General Convention who in the charac- 
ter of a committee, annually attended the 
meetings of the Association, to remain and 



20 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES* 



preach in the vicinity; and thus to aid the 
few laborers already in the country. These 
services were of great importance— as they 
were performed by men in most instances, 
who stood high in the denomination; and be- 
ing strangers, their reputation secured large 
audiences, among which were many oppos- 
ers who would not condescend to be hearers 
on ordinary occasions. That by these 
means,man.y prejudices were removed, as well 
as many converts made, to the doctrine of the 
restitution, is unquestionable. And although 
societies did not immediately spring up, and 
a visible augmentation of numbers and influ- 
ence follow; it is certain that the elements 
of eternal truth were imbibed by many 
minds, and its influence felt in the hearts of 
thousands. In the process of a few years, 
these germs developed themselves in the 
formation of permanent societies, the estab- 
lishment of churches, and the support of a 
regular ministry. 

It was during one of these annual visita- 
tions, that the writer of these pages, heard 
for the first time, the message of universal 
grace. By what means the intelligence 



HISTORICAL SKETC H E 8 - 



21 



that Mr. Hosea Ballon would preach on the 
following Sunday, in a place some fifteen 
miles distant, could have been conveyed to a 
very young man, who did not then know a 
single Universalist in the world, is not re- 
membered. He went however, and heard a 
discourse in the morning, from Zech. 6: 13 
— and for the first time in his life, felt that 
he had listened to a sermon that neither in- 
volved an absurdity nor a contradiction. The 
congregation was not large, and occupied a 
school house in the present city of Utica — 
then a meagre and muddy village. A larger 
congregation was anticipated in the after- 
noon, and arrangements were made for the 
service in the open air, under some trees, 
on the bank of the Mohawk River. There 
in due time, a large auditory assembled; and 
listened to. one of Mr. Ballou's best discour- 
ses from Deut. 33: part of 18th with the 
17th ver. It was a glorious day, early in 
June — the silence of Sunday was around us 
— the bright blue heavens above us, partly 
veiled by the branches of a few r scattering 
oaks — the clear, quiet river at our side — the 
ruddy and healthy preacher in all the vigor 



22 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



of manhood before us. and pleading the 
cause of God and humanity with a group of 
most attentive hearers. Such a scene is not 
to be forgotten; and altogether, it was one 
in every respect calculated to make the most 
favorable, as well as lasting impressions. — 
And such certainly were its effects on the 
mind of the writer. For while it left him 
without any pretension to the knowledge or 
belief of Universalism, as a system of reli- 
gious truth — it entirely satisfied him that it 
was consistent with itself, and with all that 
we see and know of the Deity and his moral 
government. It is scarcely to be doubted, 
that similar impressions w T ere made on many 
persons in that congregation. 

1809. The session of the Western Asso- 
ciation was held this year in Norwich, Che- 
nongo County; and as usual, was attended 
by a delegation from the General Conven- 
tion. Two societies were received into fel- 
lowship, viz. one in Ballston, Saratoga Co., 
and one in Jericho, (now Bainbridge,) Che- 
nango Co. The former of these, has long 
since lost its identity, and merged in neigh- 
boring societies. The latter has attained 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES* 



23 



that place and exerts that influence, which is 
the just reward of becoming zeal and fidel- 
ity; and has usually enjoyed a moderate de- 
gree of prosperity. 

Application was also made at this session 
by Mr. William Baker, for a letter of fel- 
lowship as a minister of the reconciliation. He 
was then a preacher in the Methodist con- 
nection — probably, what is termed a " local 
preacher." The committee, to whom his re- 
quest was submitted, reported " that his re- 
quest be granted when he shall obtain a let- 
ter of dismission from the Methodist denom- 
ination." And the Moderator was instruct- 
ed to grant the fellowship of the Association, 
whenever said letter of dismission was ob- 
tained, in the course of the current year. — 
The letter was obtained, and the fellowship 
granted accordingly at the session the fol- 
lowing year. This was the first accession, 
otherwise than by removal, to the ministry, 
in the State. Mr. Baker appears to have 
been a well disposed, illiterate and inefficient 
man — and was probably better qualified for 
some other field of labor and duty, than the 
ministry. It is not known, that as a man, 



24 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES*. 



he ever did any particular evil — and certain- 
ly as a preacher, he never effected any es- 
sential good to the denomination. And after 
a few years, he discontinued his ministry; 
and devoted himself to some secular em- 
ployment. 

In the summer of this year. Mr. Calvin 
Winslow — a Methodist circuit preacher, re- 
nounced his former views, professed his faith 
in " the restitution of all things." and receiv- 
ed the fellowship of the association. He 
was possessed of strong native talents, of 
quick apprehension and warm affections, — *■ 
was a very ready speaker, and preserved 
much of the style and energy so character- 
istic of the preachers of his former connec- 
tion. His memory was remarkably tena- 
cious, and while he read little, he observ- 
ed much, which he had the art of turning 
to very good account in his public ministra- 
tions. Mr. Winslow received ordination the 
following year. And but for one besetting 
weakness, by which he was finally overcome, 
— intemperance — would have been a valuable 
acquisition. No man loved the truth better, 
— his heart was in its prosperity through 
every trial, and every period of his life. 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES 



25 



1810. This year was productive of some 
important changes in the circumstances of 
the few societies, then existing in central 
New York. None of them had been able to 
procure preaching more than one, or at most, 
two Sundays in the month — not because 
there was not a disposition to support meet- 
ings — but because there were not preachers * 
to furnish the supply. In the mean time, 
many places in which respectable congrega- 
tions could be gathered, were wholly desti- 
tute of any regular meetings; and depended 
on the occasional visits of clergymen for 
week-evening lectures at long intervals.— 
Congregations which under other circum- 
stances, would have required a larger portion 
of ministerial labors; with a view to greater 
general good, satisfied themselves with a 
single meeting in the month, in order that 
some other society or congregation, might 
obtain a like supply. There was an all-per- 
vading sympathy, that seemed to find pleas- 
ure in the good of others; and it was long 
cherished, by the common desire of diffusing 
as far as practicable, the knowledge of the 
truth. The condition of an infant denomina- 
3 



28 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



tion, like that of a new settlement, tends to 
expel the selfishness so common to older 
communities. 

These considerations will account for the 
great interest w T hich was taken in the acqui- 
sition of an additional preacher. No world- 
ly encouragements could be offered as in- 
ducements to enter the ministry — and up to 
this time, not one individual had engaged in 
the work, who had not been previously 
connected with some other denomination in 
the character of a clergyman. And from 
causes, concerning which it is vain to specu- 
late, many of the early ministerial converts 
did not ultimately prove of any material ben- 
efit or honor to the cause of Universalism, 
They were received with joy, encouraged 
as far as practicable— but from previous 
habits of thought, or inattention to the prin- 
ciples which constituted the system of their 
adoption, they did not always succeed.— 
Hence, when a tried and approved preacher 
located in the country, a new and powerful 
impulse was given to the cause by the more 
regular and constant supply of destitute pla- 
ces — and especially by the confidence which 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 27 

he inspired in the minds of the friends of 
truth. 

The Association met this year, in Madi- 
son, Madison Co. at, or about which time, 
arrangements were made with Mr. Paul 
Dean, to settle with the society in Whites- 
town, half of his time being relinquished for 
the general benefit of the cause. With 
enough of experience to give him a reputa- 
tion as a minister of the order — with high 
popularity as an eloquent speaker — with very 
superior colloquial talents — and with an in- 
dustry worthy so good a cause, Mr. Dean 
was welcomed to the new field of his labors 
with mingled feelings of pride and pleasure. 
And during a residence of three years in the 
country, he seldom disappointed the high 
expectation of his friends. He was young, 
healthy and persevering — filling his almost 
daily appointments with the utmost punctu- 
ality; and shrinking from no labor which they 
involved. And without any reflection on the 
talents or usefulness of others, in their re- 
spective spheres, no man living was perhaps 
more perfectly adapted to the work allotted 
him. His constitution and habits — his love 



28 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES'. 



of social and religious excitement — his abun- 
dant command of language, and the ease and 
freedom of his delivery — all combined to fit 
him exquisitely for the wants of the denomi- 
nation. He must travel much, visit much; 
and of course study little. He must preach 
often — preach doctrinal sermons; and the 
doctrine of the restitution was his favorite 
theme. He must mingle with every possible 
condition of society; and he w T as formed to 
interest and gratify all. He must do battle 
before the public, with the champions of op- 
posing sects; and his ready command of 
words enabled him to talk and conciliate, if 
he failed to convince. 

One society was received into fellowship, 
at this session; giving evidence of a gradual 
augmentation of organized strength. The 
same influences which had previously been 
at work, were still in operation — strengthen- 
ed by the accumulation of numbers, and aid- 
ed by a better understanding of the principles 
of truth. And congregations had been gath- 
ered in several places, and friends had come 
forward, 'till then unknown. The denomina- 
tion looked for little — and was satisfied with 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



29 



small visible gains. These, it detected with 
a keenness, and appreciated with a feeling 
which no subsequent additions could ever 
inspire. A new congregation, an additional 
family, and even the accession of an individ- 
ual to the cause, were matters of conse- 
quence, and hailed as cause of congratula- 
tion and encouragement. 

1811. It is probably the fortune or mis- 
fortune of all newly organized christian com- 
munities, to win to their ranks the most dis- 
cordant materials, and the most eccentric 
characters. The nucleus being once formed 
and put in motion, seems to attract nearly 
every particle floating in moral space, howev- 
er unlike itself- — if in some one particular, 
there exists a common element. Hence it 
follows, that in process of time a separation 
takes place — the discrepancies becoming more 
obvious, and the impossibility of acting in 
concert being felt by all parties. 

One or two events illustrative of this prin- 
ciple, occurred at the session of the Western 
Association in Jericho (now Bainbridge) in 
June of this year. Fellowship was granted 
to Mr. Lewis Beers, as a minister of the rec- 
3* 



30 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



onciliation. He was a gentleman of undoubted 
worth, of respectable talents, and a firm be- 
liever in the restitution. But he held nothing 
else in common with Universalists. He was 
a Swedeiiborgian — -and consequently, in the 
estimation of every proper Universalist, a 
visionary. Nothing can be farther from the 
plain, common sense doctrine of the restitu- 
tion, than the forced, and unnatural, and mys- 
tical science of correspondencies/ ' main- 
tained by Swedenborg and his admirers. In 
an age making any pretention to reason, Uni- 
versalism coupled with the endless fancies of 
such a theory, could not be supposed to make 
any very intelligible progress. Nor is it even 
probable, that had there been a congregation 
of his own faith accessible, Dr. Beers would 
have sought acquaintance and fellowship with 
Universalists. As it was, this was his first, 
and probably his last appearance at the Asso- 
ciation; but he retained his clerical creden- 
tials, and ever remained the estimable and 
warm friend of the denomination. His min- 
istry appears to have been incidental rather 
than regular — and though known to be a 
Universalist, he was still regarded as laboring 
for the "New Jerusalem Church." 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



31 



At the same session of the Association, the 
Council was honored with the attendance of, 
and the congregation edified by, a discourse 
from — a female preacher. She too, was a 
Universalist. Miss Maria Cook, was at the 
time some thirty-five years of age, of gen- 
teel and commanding appearance, well edu- 
cated, and certainly a very good speaker. — • 
From the character of her discourses, it 
would appear that Universalism as a system, 
was unknown to her; and it was rather the 
result of her feelings than of an extensive ac- 
quaintance with the scriptures, that she had 
made it the creed of her adoption. Difficult 
as many found it, to reconcile the ministry of 
Miss Cook, with their ideas of duty and pro- 
priety—they still accorded her their sympa- 
thy and their hospitality. She was a Univer- 
salist and a preacher of that doctrine— none 
doubted the purity of her motives, or the sin- 
cerity of her heart; and satisfied that she 
would do no hurt, they yielded her the right 
of choosing this manner of doing good. And 
for a time- — while the double charm of novel- 
ty and singularity furnished its attractions, 
multitudes crowded to hear her ministrations. 



32 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



But these influences could not, and they did 
not last long; and she was permitted and en- 
couraged to discontinue her public labors, and 
to seek a more congenial sphere under the 
protection of a hospitable private family. — 
Miss Cook's connections were numerous and 
respectable; and were by her. represented, as 
inveterately opposed to Universalism. This 
was probably true — but there is much reason 
to believe that their opposition to her. grew 
out of far other considerations. They were 
extremely averse to her assumption of the 
ministerial character; and probably not with- 
out grounds of apprehension that so extraor- 
dinary an undertaking was an evidence of 
mental alienation. One thing is certain — thev 
received and cherished her; whenever she 
preferred to avail herself of their protection 
and kindness. 

No societies were added during the recess 
of the Association, the proceeding year. Still 
the friends of the cause, found abundant en- 
couragement, in the more extended labors of 
the few ministers of truth, and the greater 
stability and moderate growth of societies and 
congregations. The scripture proofs, and the 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



33 



moral influences of the doctrine of the final 
purity and happiness of all men were better 
understood; and many laymen had become its 
most efficient advocates in their respective vi- 
cinities. They carried the testimony of truth 
to the firesides of hundreds, whom pride or 
prejudice restrained from its open investiga- 
tion; and by their integrity, if they did not 
win converts, they at least secured respect 
from their opposers. There was a necessity 
for such an understanding of the scriptures, as 
would enable the believer to give a " reason 
of his hope." For every form of objection was 
constantly made to the doctrine — and with 
every degree of temper. Happily, the feel- 
ings of Universalists kept pace with their 
wants; and they read and studied the Bible 
with great diligence and success. And what- 
ever the world may think — there was proba- 
bly no class of professors to whom the scrip- 
tures were more precious, or by whom they 
were better understood. 

It was during this summer that the writer 
became fully identified with Universalists — 
sympathizing in all that concerned them as 
far as their circumstances were known; and 



34 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



confirmed, in the belief, that the final holiness 
and happiness of all mankind was the great 
doctrine of divine revelation, and therefore 
the truth of God. This was too great — too 
momentous a truth, to be believed and enjoy- 
ed in silence. With all the discouragements 
and difficulties — with all the privations and 
obloquy which lay before him — but one all- 
pervading impression was ever with him — it 
was, that he must preach this gospel of illim- 
itable grace to mankind. With what propri- 
ety this feeling was cherished, he pretends 
not to judge — but during long years of ex- 
perience and trial; it has never once forsaken 
him, and its indulgence has never in all that 
time, inflicted one pang of regret. On the 
contrary, every year has added new reasons 
of confidence in the truth of Universal Sal- 
vation; and new assurances of the success of 
its ministry 5 in the adoption of the truth by 
the human race. 

FORETASTE. 

We had a week-day lecture, once a month 
by Mr. Dean, in the town where I resided; 
and which, he was most faithful to attend, 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES* 



35 



both in sunshine and storm. But for once — • 
the indisposition of his family detained him; 
and at the appointed hour, a student of his ar- 
rived, bearing the intelligence, and leaving us 
the alternative of a discourse from the young 
man, or of dispensing with any service on the 
occasion. It was decided by the old heads 
after a moment's consultation, to hear the stu- 
dent; although it was supposed it would 
probably be his first sermon. 

In a few minutes the school house was re- 
spectably filled— and better filled than usual, 
from the fact that a young man was to 
preach. For the intelligence spread with 
surprising rapidity, and young andold,friends 
and enemies came in and seated themselves 
with all becoming gravity. But the stealthy 
looks which were exchanged from side to 
side, told of doubts about the issue, as well 
as of the fun that lay concealed under the 
staid and demure countenance. 

The introductory services — the singing and 
prayer were got along with most reputably; 
but now in almost breathless suspense, and 
no small degree of anxiety among the friends; 
we waited for the sermon. To me, it was 



36 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES* 



a moment of positive agony. The young 
man had however very plainly u screwed up 
his mind to the sticking point" — sundry cor- 
ners of the Bible w r ere ominously turned 
down — and at last he arose, looking unuttera- 
ble things. And so the event proved. Not 
but that he said many excellent things, and 
quite enough of them — -but they were mani- 
festly not exactly the things which he intend- 
ed to say. He was as green as a cucumber 
■ — wore a suit of substantial homespun, that 
would stand a winter at " Melville Island" — 
it was a glorious sun-lit day about mid July 
— and the atmosphere like a calm on the coast 
of Africa, save its pestilence^ To all these 
melting considerations, was added the keen 
and fixed gaze of every eye in the room. — 
But as if to try his strength — there he stood, 
perspiring at every pore — and then in a voice 
of singular intonation, he gave out the text 
— -"For if the truth of God hath more 
abounded through my lie unto his glory, 
why yet am I also judged as a sinner!" — 
Rom. 3: 7. 

I had never in my life studied a sermon; 
but it struck me at once that this was quite 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



37 



too much for the speaker; and that it would 
require far more self-command than he pos- 
sessed to make it intelligible to his hearers. 
Besides,the selection strangely enough, forced 
a line of Dr. Young upon my recollection — » 

"Who dive at stars and fasten in the mud." 

My seat enabled me to have a fair profile 
view of the speaker's face; and the workings 
of his mind could be very distinctly read in 
the changes of his countenance. He talked 
rapidly, and labored as if for life — -'till appa- 
rently all resources failed save memory. And 
evidently determined not to yield to his em- 
barrassments—he dropped into the Bible and 
poured out a series of quotations in one 
steady and seemingly inexhaustible stream to 
the end of the discourse. 

Never did I hear the word amen with so 
much pleasure — never found greater relief in 
looking up with the consciousness that I could 
once more " breathe easy." For my mi id 
had but recently been finally made up to de- 
vote myself to the ministry of reconciliation; 
and I saw and felt the trial which at no dis- 
tant day awaited me. I had fully sympathiz- 
4 



38 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 

ed with the speaker — felt all his embarrass- 
ments—quailed like him under the steady 
gaze of all eyes- — like him felt the blood 
mount to my head, and then seem to thick- 
en, and accumulate, and curdle about the 
heart, until oppressed with a sense of suffo- 
cation. 

But I had learned something; and in the 
most practical way imaginable without per- 
sonal experiment. I had learned never to 
trust myself before a congregation in the ca- 
pacity of a preacher, without having some- 
thing to say besides quoting scripture—and 
certainly not to make my first appearance 
without Notes. The superior efficacy of 
w T hat is called extemporaneous preaching, 
was duly appreciated; but this illustration 
convinced me, that a first effort was no time 
or place to test the ability of its successful 
attainment.- 

It will be gratifying to the reader to know, 
that this young man, became a good and 
useful preacher; and that he has sustained 
from the first, a high character for moral 
and intellectual worth. 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



A DISCUSSION. 

Mr. Dean continued the week-day lecture 
before named, and in early fall an event oc- 
curred which at the time, excited a very live- 
ly interest in the vicinity. There were seve- 
ral Methodist families, whose apprehensions 
were awakened, by the establishment of a 
Universalist meeting, at their very doors. — ■ 
And being apprised of the times when the 
meetings were held, they secretly sent some 
fifteen or twenty miles for a popular preacher 
of their own denomination, to come and put 
down the intruding heretic. The congrega- 
tion assembled as usual, (at about 4 o'clock, 
P. M.,) and then, first learned the object in 
contemplation. Mr. Dean also arrived — en- 
tirely unaware of the intended assault, and 
consequently as little prepared for it, as a 
clergyman could be. The Methodist minis- 
ter — Mr. Wrn. B. Lacy, was on the ground, 
charged to the teeth, with the chosen argu- 
ments for the contest. 

At the close of the lecture, the prelimina- 
ries of debate were settled — a few minutes 
spent in taking breath — and at about six 
#doek the discussion formally commenced, 



40 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES* 



The following propositions or rather ques- 
tions, were then proposed by Mr Lacy: 

"1. Do the scriptures teach that some men 
will die in their sins?" 

u 2. Will those who die in their sins, be 
punished V 

u 3. If so — Will that punishment be end- 
less f 

Two of these were conceded. Mr. Dean 
admitted that not only some men, but that 
all men would die sinners, and that all sin- 
ners would be punished. And he dispensed 
with all argument and proof of the propriety 
of this admission, in order to reach as early 
as possible, the third, and most important 
proposition. And here an incident occurred 
• — only worthy of note from its singular ef- 
frontery. It was well known, that Mr. 
Dean made no prensions to a knowledge of 
the original languages in which the scriptures- 
were written. His antagonist had already 
made some little parade of books — and now 
displayed a Greek Testament, very gravely 
inquiring whether they should quote the ori- 
ginal text. And this question was asked by 
a minister— who afterwards admitted in the 



filSTORlCAL SKETCHES. 



fame public manner, in a debate with the 
-same man— that he knew little or nothing 
about the language ! 

Mr. Dean took the negative of the third 
proposition, and sustained his position princi- 
pally by the criticisms of Dr. Chauncey — and 
at the same time reviewing briefly, the argu- 
ments and proofs adduced by his opponent in 
support of the doctrine of endless misery. The 
discussion was continued about five hours; 
and evidently terminated much less to the 
satisfaction of Mr. Lacy and his Methodist 
friends, than they had anticipated. On the 
contrary, the friends of Mr. Deafr v felt no 
disappointment, and suffered no mortifttmtidn. 
They did not consider the subject by any 
means exhausted; but they Were satisfied of 
his ability to maintain and defend his views. 

It was apparent that Mr. Lacy had failed 
of convincing the ptiblie of the error of Uni- 
versalism. He had taken time for prepara- 
tion — had deliberately chosen his ground of 
debate, and the time and mode of attack — 
still he had failed. And the immediate and 
direct result was— not that converts were 
made to Universalism— but the conviction 
4^ 



42 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



of the auditory, that whether right or wrong 
• — true or false, it was a doctrine which ad- 
mitted of too much evidence and was sus~ 
tainined by too cogent arguments, to be 
crushed by his prowess. The manner in 
which the interview had been sought, to- 
gether with his general management of the 
debate, sunk Mr. Lacy in the estimation of 
many; and proportionally elevated Mi\ Dean 
in the scale of popularity. And setting aside 
the wider range of the subjects of later dis- 
cussion, and the diffusion of the arguments 
used, through the medium of the Dress — as 
much immediate good was effected by this 
humble and almost forgotten work of a sin- 
gle evening, as has usually resulted from the 
most elaborate and long-drawn discussions 
which have since occurred in the denomina- 
tion. 

The few preachers of Universalism lived 
in a state of perpetual excitement — their pe- 
culiar situation daily bringing them in con- 
tact with their opposers, or subjecting them 
to the endless interrogatories of their friends. 
And though the public mind exhibited no 
particular indications of excitement on the 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



43 



subject— an impression was made, by their 
faithful and well-directed labors. It is prob- 
ably true, that in all places and all instances 
in which the simple and intelligible doctrine 
of Universal Salvation has been preached by 
a respectable man — a favorable impression 
has been made upon the public mind. In 
the present instance, there is no room to 
doubt the fact. The surface appeared calm 
and comparatively undisturbed — -but there 
was a movement and an agitation deep be- 
low; stirring the long stagnant prejudices 
and opinions of society, and improving its 
views and its charities. 

It was about this time (1811,) that an inci- 
dent occurred, perfectly illustrative of the 
character and condition of many religious 
minds. One of the preachers of the Resti- 
tution, on attending an appointment for the 
first time in a place where there were seve- 
ral influential friends, and "many opposers," 
was favored with a very general attendance 
of the latter, who seemed u astonished at the 
doctrine." The attendance and interest man- 
ifested, encouraged the friends to request 
another appointment, which was accordingly 



44 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



made. On the breaking up of the congrega- 
tion, a member of the Presbyterian Church, 
who had been a profound listener to the dis- 
course — came forward and begged the 
preacher at his next visit, to preach from 
John 5: 28, 29— to which of course he 
readily consented. 

Notice of the subject of discourse was cir- 
culated industriously among the several sects 
of opposers, and all the staunch ones deter- 
mined to be present. In the mean time, the v 
ventured to conjecture the result. Some 
thought, that the preacher would be perfect- 
ly overwhelmed with the text itself and 
would be at once silenced, or become so 
conscience-smitten as to abandon any farther 
pretensions to Universalism. Others conclu- 
ded that as Universalist preachers w T ere rather 
shrewd fellows, it was o x uite probable that in 
this instance, as in others of which they had 
heard — lie would find some expedient by 
w 7 hich to extricate himself — or what was 
quite as probable, the Devil might help him 
to explain the passage and save him from the 
dilemma! 

The day came when the validity of these 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES 



45 



conjectures was to be tested; and with it, 
came also the preacher. He entered upon 
the subject with ail his wonted composure; 
and to the astonishment of some of his hear- 
ers, not only discoursed with his accustomed 
ease and fluency — but gave such an exposi- 
tion of the text as most effectually to silence 
ev^ry valid objection. He was evidently 
neither embarrassed with the supposed diffi- 
culties which the passage involved — nor un- 
der demoni acal influence. But stood before 
them in the honest simplicity of truth, and 
urged home upon their hearts the testimony 
of the scriptures, with modest zeal and al- 
most irrisistible power. 

"Ah," said the man who gave him the 
text — " the preacher piled up the testimony 
in favor of his positions, as the farmer heaps 
up his newly cleaned wheat on his threshing 
floor, till it ran over on every hand; and not 
only reached every boundary, but filled the 
mind with glorious conceptions of blessing 
and abundance. And notwithstanding my 
Presbyteriamsm, I went to him and told him 
— that I was more than satisfied with his tes- 
timony — that it was true, every word of it 
— hut that I did not believe it" 



46 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES, 



Such was doubtless the condition of thou- 
sands, at that day; and it is not difficult to 
predict the result with honest minds. 

ANOTHER DISCUSSION. 

1812. In February this year, and after 
some little previous arrangement, another 
public discussion took place between Mr. 
Lacy and Mr. Dean. The propositions were 
the same as on the former occasion — and the 
parties met at the Presbyterian Church, New 
Hartford, where a large congregation assem- 
bled and evinced a very deep interest in the 
subject by profound attention. The debate 
was maintained for some time, with great 
decorum — Mr. Dean conceding as before, 
that some — that all men, would die in sins, 
and that all sinners would be punished. This 
brought them again directly to the question, 
whether that punishment would be endless. 
And here again, Mr. Lacy introduced the 
Greek Testament. Mr. Dean had been led 
to suspect that his learned opponent had ven- 
tured beyond his depth — put the question in 
such manner as to prevent any evasion — 
whether he really understood the Greek 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



47 



Language 1 To the great surprise of many, 
and evidently much to his own mortification, 
Mr. Lacey admitted, that he knew little or 
nothing about it ! 

The discussion was then of course, con- 
ducted in plain English— appeals being made 
respectively to the criticisms of others, with 
occasional constructions of certain proof 
texts. At length, Mr. Dean having quoted 
some passage designed to show what the 
will of God was, in relation to man's final 
destiny — -the following dialogue in substance, 
took place — - 

Lacey — If you will prove from the Bi- 
ble that it is the unconditional will of God 
that all men shall be saved, I will concede the 
argument." 

Dean — -(After quoting several texts, very 
deliberately and distinctly,) "I have now 
given the required proof; and call on you to 
fulfil your promise and concede the argu- 
ment." 

Lacey — "I made no such promise." 

Gentleman — " I distinctly understood Mr. 
Lacey to say — that if his opponent would 
prove the unconditional will of God to save 



48 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



all mankind, he would concede the argument. 
I have so put it down in my Notes; and pre- 
sume that it was so understood by the 
congregation. 

Lacey— 4i That's a Universalist— one of 
your friends; and I will not take his testi- 
mony." 

Deax — {Looking around upon the congre- 
gation) "Well, — if you have any friends 
here, I will take their testimony." 

Lacey — (A gentleman having whispered 
to him for a lew moments) — " If I made any 
such statement, I do not recollect it." 

Dean — (Taking his hat) — a I do not con- 
sider myself under any obligation to contin- 
ue any longer, the discussion of so grave a 
subject-, with a man whose memory is so very 
treacherous." 

The congregation rose — many voices ex- 
claiming — " it is enough," and all rushed out 
of the house. 

To say nothing of the arguments in gen- 
era), or of the force of the testimony ad- 
duced bv Mr. Dean, in relation to the admis- 
sion of his opponent; the manner in which 
Mr. Lacey disposed of the subject, was to 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES, 



49 



the last degree exceptionable, if not equivo- 
cal. And whatever might have been his mo- 
tives or convictions, it was impossible to wit- 
ness the proceedings, without feeling that he 
was either very weak, or very reckless. This 
was plainly the general feeling; of the exis- 
tence of which, there is good reason to be- 
lieve that both himself and his friends were 
fully aware. For in due season, he was re- 
moved from one of the best circuits in the 
State, in which he was the superior — to an- 
other which required almost as many labours 
under as many privations, as any other. He 
endured his degradation for a time, and went 
over to the Episcopalians — and w T as re- 
warded with the Rectorship of St. Peter's 
church in the city of Albany. 

Little moral effect could be expected to re- 
sult, from a public discussion so conducted 
and so terminated. Yet it had its uses. It 
tended to confirm the opinion that Universal- 
ism shunned no trial to which its opposers 
chose to subject it; and that its advocates 
sought no means of its vindication, save those 
of scripture and reason. This, like the for- 
mer discussion, added much to the popularity 
5 



50 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



, of Mr. Dean, and so far was favorable to 
the interests of Universalism. 

AND YET ANOTHER DISCUSSION. 

Mr. Dean had during the proceeding year, 
occasionally travelled some sixty miles West, 
for the purpose of visiting and preaching to a 
congregation in the village of Nine Mile 
Creek, in the town of Marcellus. On one of 
these preaching excursions, he lectured at 
Manlius, or Onondaga, where tw^o clergy- 
men — one a Methodist, and the other, a Pres- 
byterian, were present. At the close of the 
Lecture, the Methodist entered into contro- 
versy — but after a short time, candidly ac- 
knowledged that he did not feel competent to 
continue the debate, and took his seat. On 
this, the Presbyterian — who was no other 
than the somewhat distinguished Dr. Lansing, 
rose, and said in amount — " that although his 
friend did not, there were perhaps those pres- 
ent, who did feel able to maintain such a dis- 
cussion." This challenge was promptly ac- 
cepted — the preliminaries of debate were set- 
tled — the time fixed, and public notice sent 
far and wide by both parties. 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



51 



At the time appointed, (the latter part of 
February, 1812,) the parties met at the 
Court House in Onondaga — as the most con- 
venient and spacious building in the region. 
The point at issue, was the doctrine of the 
final Salvation of all mankind; and the debate 
was continued through the day, in presence of 
a large concourse of deeply interested audi- 
tors. And notwithstanding the fearful odds 
in public prejudice, learning and science, 
against Mr. Dean — he sustained himself and 
his positions with so much propriety and suc- 
cess, that he won respect from his opposers 
and the admiration of his friends. And years 
afterwards, individuals might be found, who 
repaired to that discussion with the deepest 
dislike of Universalism — but who dated their 
conversion to its belief, from the influence 
wrought upon their minds on that occasion. 

THE THEOLOGICAL LIBRARY STUDY. 

After a visit of a few days — I became in 
the month of April, 1812. a theological stu- 
dent. If the reader supposes that I had any 
definite or proper notions of a requisite course 
of theological reading, preparatory to the 



52 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



ministry — even of Universalism, he is entire- 
ly mistaken. And he should greatly mode- 
rate his ideas, if he thinks that my preceptor 
knew, or understood much more about the 
matter than myself. 

My room-mate was a young man of some 
24 years of age, with a respectable English 
education; and greatly my superior in the 
knowledge of men and things. He pos- 
sessed talents of a high order — was abundant- 
ly sensible of his pre-eminence — and among 
other accomplishments, was sickly, nervous, 
and intolerably irritable. After a few days 
of distance and reserve — mutual neglect and 
contempt, I became regularly and duly in- 
stalled in his good graces; and w T hile he al- 
ways maintained, and I cheerfully conceded 
his superiority in every thing that he chose to 
claim, we lived together for months, in great 
cordiality. This was the more important, as 
our mutual superior was usually absent, full 
five days out of every week. 

The Library — Heaven forgive this appli- 
cation of the word — consisted principally of 
Locke's Essays on the human understanding, 
Watts' and Duncan 's Logic, Blair's Rhetoric, 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES 



53 



Newton and Faber on the Prophecies, Bal- 
lon' s Treatise on Atonement, Candid Review, 
and Notes on the Parables, Pettiperre on Di- 
vine Goodness, Winchester's Dialogues, 
Brown's Dictionary of the Bible— Cruden's 
Concordance— and what was of more value 
than all of them to a novice, Claude on the 
composition of a sermon. Let no man de- 
spise " the day of small things"— for such as 
this Library was, it was by far the best col- 
lection of Books in the possession of any 
Universalist minister in the State. 

No attention was required, and none was 
given to the composition of sermons — save 
what was voluntarily sought from the trans- 
lated Claude; and at the end of more than 
seven months, I left without having made a 
single attempt to frame a regular discourse* 
In that time, I had probably not enjoyed three 
weeks society, with the man whom I had 
chosen for my guide and teacher; and with 
none of my desires for the ministry abated, I 
almost despaired of attaining the humblest 
qualifications. To render this consideration 
still more pungent, it was probable that for 
months, I should be cut off from any direct 
5* 



54 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES* 



association with an intelligent Universalis!;.— 
Fortunately however, the vexations of " The 
School Master,' 5 were soothed by the cordial 
sympathies of several worthy believers in the 
doctrine of impartial grace and universal 
salvation* 

This year (1812) the session of the West- 
ern Association was held in Duanesburg, 
Schenectada Co., and appears to have en- 
joyed a season of spiritual refreshing. Sev- 
eral additional preachers were present, who 
had probably received the fellowship of the 
order from some kindred Associations in 
New England— as no mention is made of 
their ever having done so in New York. — * 
And it is certain that they became permanent 
residents within the limits of the Western 
Association. One of these— Mr. L. Knapp, 
was a young man, with an excellent moral 
character, and very good qualifications, as 
they were considered, for the work of the 
ministry. His subsequent life has done hon- 
or to his profession; and he has labored hard, 
and endured much in the faithful vindica- 
tion of the truth. Few can appreciate the 
position of a young man, who like him enters 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES, 



55 



a new and untried field of moral labor, where 
friends are to be raised up from a host of en- 
emies. It is like raising " children to Abra- 
ham from the stones" of the street. And he 
who neither falters nor despairs in such an 
enterprise, mast rely on, and find support 
from, a sustaining power other than man or 
earth can yield. Wherever Mr. Knapp has 
been known, he has been honored — and may 
his declining years be peaceful and happy, as 
his life has been virtuous and useful. 

Mr. L H. Ellis, another preacher whose 
name first appears at this Session of the As- 
sociation, was a convert from the ministry of 
the Baptists. What his standing was among 
his former friends, is unknown* — but it is 
scarcely possible that it should have been so 
high as to attract the envy of his brother- 
hood. He retained so much the spirit of his 
former views — and used such singular and 
unadvised forms of expression, as soon to 
lose caste among Universalists. However 
pure and upright his motives might have 
been, he was of no benefit to the denomina- 
tion; and after a few years, its fellowship 
was withdrawn. 



53 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



The following incident will illustrate the 
character of Dr. Ellis. Of course, we do 
not vouch for its substantial verity— but give 
it, as it was received, as one among a thou- 
sand instances of his utter recklessness of 
expression. The story goes, that he was 
preaching on the scripture use of the word 
Hell — aud w T hile explaining the original term 
Gehenna, as used in the New Testament, he 
observed — That gehenna meant the valley 
of Hinnom so often spoken of in the Old 
Testament, and which was so called from a 
family of that name by whom it was owned. 
He then added— " / knew Old Squire Hin- 
nom very w$lL v Whether his hearers were 
as well satisfied that he had ever formed such 
an acquaintance, as with his exposition, w 7 e 
are not informed. 

One society, that in Ellisburg. Jefferson 
Co. w r as received into the fellowship of the 
Association. No stated ministration of the 
doctrine of the restitution, could have been 
enjoyed by this society. For it was far re- 
moved from the residence of any of the 
few preachers. The most that it could have 
received at their hands, was a temporary 
visit from that most indefatigable pioneer— 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES 



57 



Mr. Stacy. Thus while the social interests 
of the denomination were very little advan- 
ced, in consequence of the great distance be- 
tween kindred societies; centres were grad- 
ually forming, which in process of time were 
to meet and spread the influence of the truth 
far and wide. And a few years have usually 
been sufficient to show, that these distant 
societies exerted great power in building up 
the cause in their respective vicinities. In 
no instance perhaps, has that power been 
more effectually displayed, than by this soci- 
ety in Ellisburg. 

In the course of this year another Society 
and preacher were added in support of Uni- 
versalism. Mr. I. Sharman, formerly a Free 
Will Baptist — had become a Unitarian Uni- 
versalis t; and gathered a small society in the 
town of Manlius, Onondaga Co. over which 
he was ordained Pastor, by a Council of the 
Association, Mr. Sharman was from Eng- 
land, and originally a member of the same 
congregation with the far-famed Dr. Carey 
— missionary to India. He had read much, 
and remembered with extraordinary tenaci- 
ty, w T hat he read. But he was neither an 



58 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



easy, nor interesting speaker. His mind ap- 
peared to be overloaded by its accumulations; 
and like a full store room which contained 
many articles of sterling value, by want of 
orderly packing, if found at all, it was with 
difficulty and amidst confusion. But he was 
a christian in the best sense of the term. — 
He loved the gospel of Universal grace; and 
he lived in honest, simplicity, an honour to its 
profession. The peace of his kind spirit, rest 
upon his memory. 

At this time, and indeed for two years pro- 
ceeding, Messrs. Stacy and Dean were the 
efficient ministers of the restitution in the 
State. They spared no labor, and neglected 
no proper occasion to push the doctrine of the 
gospel into every vicinity. For this purpose 
they travelled much, and lectured almost 
daily during the fall and winter of the year; 
and they performed these labors under cir- 
cumstances of trial and privation, which at 
this day, seem scarcely credible. Much of 
the day was spent in travelling to meet their 
appointments — the evening in preaching — 
after which, and frequently until late at night, 
they were forced to answer the numerous 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



50 



inquiries of friends, or to battle over the cat- 
alogue of objections with some captious op- 
poser. And all this time, sensible that per- 
haps half the family whose hospitality they 
were receiving, would scarcely regard it as a 
crime to poison them. No worldly motives 
can sustain men, under such circumstances. 

It was on these ministerial visitations, that 
every bigot or fanatic found an opportunity 
to display his zeal. They were the favorite 
seasons, in which these children of darkness 
and wrath, vented their utmost spleen, and 
exhibited in more tangible forms the depths 
of their depravity. They could perpetrate 
offences with the greater impunity, because 
generally their families were the only wit- 
nesses — and very commonly the only real 
sufferers. There, at their own firesides, they 
committed innumerable offences against civil- 
ity and hospitality, in acts and omissions, 
which are amusing enough at this distance of 
time; although they were then matters 
of serious moment. It seems quite a pleasant 
joke, that a pious lady after fidgeting, and 
pouting, and grumbling 'till eleven o'clock at 
night, should then suddenly recollect — that 



60 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



she had entirely forgotten to get the family 
supper ! Nor would it then, have entered 
her mind, (she had been so occupied and de- 
lighted with the conversation,) had it not been 
hinted by a patient husband, or the more de- 
cisive remonstrances of a crying child! It 
extorts a smile now, that on some special pre- 
tence, the preacher must take tea with a 
family which overwhelmed him with the 
courtesey of the invitation, only to enjoy an 
opportunity of insulting him; and which af- 
ter much show and parade, treated him — and 
themselves too — with a cup of hot water I 

Sometimes, but rarely, incidents of a more 
serious nature occurred. One of this char- 
acter w r as encountered by Mr. Dean, in the 
fall of 1812. He had attended an afternoon 
Lecture, a few miles from home; after which, 
he accepted an invitation to tea previous to 
returning. On the way to the house, the 
gentleman informed his guest — that his wife 
was much opposed to Universalism; and beg- 
ged him to excuse any violence to civility of 
which she might be guilty. Thus admon- 
ished, he was prepared for the exhibition of 
much ill-nature and intolerance; and looked 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES* 



for no higher forms of hostility. But the 
event proved, that he had reckoned without 
his host — or rather hostess. 

The gentleman at whose house the parties 
had now arrived, was accompanied by two 
daughters, members of some partialist church. 
And the preacher soon observed, that from 
some unknown cause — one or the other of 
them, never for a moment left him. Matters 
had proceeded in this way for some time, 
when the mother entered and was formally 
introduced to the preacher. She barely 
looked at him — buised herself in placing a 
rat-tail skillet full of water, on the coals 
which she drew from a wood fire— and left 
the room without uttering a word. The 
daughters exchanged looks — waited a few 
minutes under much apparent hesitation and 
embarrassment — and then, one of them 
seized the skillet and ran out of the house. 
The mother, evidently on the watch, ran af- 
ter her; and the chase was kept up with 
great spirit and at full speed around the en- 
tire building — when both again entered the 
sitting room, minus the skillet and greatly 
out of breath. As soon as rage and exhaust- 
6 



62 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



Ion would permit, the mother sharply inqui- 
red—what had been done with her skillet 1 
To which the daughter replied — that she had 
taken good care of it. The mother declared, 
that she must have it and could not do with- 
out it. The daughter rejoined — that if she 
must have it — she must find it ! The mother 
again withdrew and the daughter resumed 
her seat; and informed her sister in a whis- 
per, loud enough to be heard— that she had 
deposited the obnoxious skillet in a water- 
tank around the corner of the house. 

It was now apparent from the insane vio- 
lence of the mother, and the vigilance and 
embarrassment of the daughters, that mat- 
ters were rapidly approaching a crisis. What 
was yet in reserve none seemed to know — 
but in defiance of assumed composure, all 
were evidently preparing for the worst — for 
renewed conflict. Nor were they long left 
in suspense. The final onset was made — • 
the real argumentum ad hominum — and the 
field abandoned to the husband, the daugh- 
ters and the minister. 

The mother losing all hopes of recovering 
the skillet, entered an adjoining pantry — 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 6$ 

seized an old pewter quart tankard full of 
vest — and with steady aim, and the aug- 
mented might inspired by rage, levelled the 
whole mass at the preacher's devoted head. 
It was now apparent why one or the other 
of the daughters remained in the room— it 
was that they might protect their guest from 
personal injury. And when the heavy mug 
of foaming yest was hurled at his head, one 
of them, quick as thought, suspended a large 
woolen shawl before him, which received 
and retained both the missile and most of its 
contents. A half-yard square of a fine blue 
overcoat, was not merely bespattered — but 
literally pasted with the yest, which the 
preacher wore home in triumph. 

But it will be asked — why so much interest 
in that skillet of water? The answer is both 
obvious and intelligible. It was placed at the 
fire for the sole purpose of being poured, 
boiling hot, upon the head of the Universal- 
ist minister ! And its removal was therefore, 
the setting aside of a very warm argument 
. — probably the most dangerous, and the most 
likely to silence a Universalist, of any that 
was ever employed in the State of New- 
York. 



64 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES 



Let no man despair however, for this was 
the expiring effort of this vindictive woman, 
whose rage and violence now recoiled upon 
her own head. From that time forward, it 
is believed that she never attempted any 
outrage against Universalists. The reaction 
which attends, or soon follows unusual ex- 
citement and violence did its work in this in- 
stance, most effectually and beneficially. — 
She ceased to oppose and learned to respect 
the opinions of Universalists. And in 1817. 
when on her death-bed — the writer of this, 
was called in to pray with her; and he heard 
from her own lips — the acknowledgmnnt of 
her folly and rashness — of the pain and mor- 
tification which these had brought down upon 
her — of her final reconciliation — of her ar- 
dent and long cherished wish, which had now 
been gratified, that she might see and unite 
in prayer with a Uni ~ers#list preacher, to 
whom she could make these statements — and 
that she could now die in peace ! Thus ter- 
minated, the career of one of the most vin- 
dictive enemies of the truth. There is no 
reason to doubt, that the influence of Uni- 
versalism made her a much better woman 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 65 

during several years of her life — and every 
reason, to believe that she died in the faith 
and hope of the final salvation of all man- 
kind. 

AN OPINION. 

During the winter of 1812-13, a student 
for the Universalist ministry, was engaged 
in teaching a school— which as usual ? was 
attended by a number of youth of both sexes, 
some of whom were older than their teach- 
er. Among these was a young man, who 
for several years, had been a member of a 
Baptist church in the vicinity. Bike many 
others in similar circumstances, he had at last 
began to wonder why he ever formed such a 
religious connexion. He of course, knew very 
little respecting Universalism— but enough to 
excite inquiry, and inspire very favorable 
views of the doctrine. The consequence 
was, that he had become remiss in attending 
the meetings of his church, and more espe- 
cially absented himself from its seasons of 
communion. He was therefore a subject of 
admonition and discipline; and was in daily 
expectation of a visit of ceremony from his 
minister. 6 # 



66 HISTORICAL SKETCHES* 

In the mean time, it had been ascertained 
that the "School Master" was preparing for 
the Universalist ministry; and though not a 
preacher, it was inferred that he was more 
competent than his pupil to manage a con- 
versation with the good Elder. As fortune 
would have it, a very early opportunity oc- 
curred for testing the correctness of this 
opinion. 

The "School Mater/' like many others of 
the profession, "boarded round" — -that is, 
with the patrons of the school who resided 
within reasonable distance. And at the very 
moment of first entering the family of the 
young man — he was introduced to the mild, 
venerable and kind hearted Elder. He was 
a Baptist of the old School — whose plain 
good sense, and unsophisticated virtues, and 
sincere piety did honor to his profession and 
to his denomination. His charities, were too 
ample for his creed — and his liberality was 
strangely perplexed "with close communi- 
on." He had come to expostulate with 
his young friend; and if possible, to bring 
him back to the fold from which he had 
strayed. He admitted that the subject of his 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES, 



67 



admonitions, was morally worthy of all 
praise-— but he greatly feared, that such an 
extraordinary error as he deemed Universal- 
ism might lead to fatal results both to morals, 
and happiness, for time and eternity. 

Having discharged the duty of admonition, 
in the kindest and most paternal manner — * 
the good Elder addressed himself to the 
Teacher; and expressed his surprise at learn- 
ing that he was a Universalis!. The pious 
old man was a total stranger to the doctrine 
of the restitution, and asked with child-like 
simplicity, a number of questions respecting 
the views of its professors. This of course, 
authorised the asking of questions in turn; 
when in substance the following dialogue 

took place. 

Universalist— " In what way do you 

reconcile the scripture doctrine that God will 

reward every man according to his works, 

with the popular views of the forgiveness of 

sins V 

Elder — "None but believers are for- 
given; and the impenitent are punished ac- 
cording to their deeds." 

Univer.— " But this does not meet the 



68 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



question. For according to your statement 
those who are forgiven escape all punish- 
ment — while those that are punished are not 
forgiven. Allowing that all are equally 
guilty, how can it be said that all have re- 
ceived according to their works, on this sup- 
position T 

Elder — Those who are not forgiven are 
punished in their own persons -but believers- 
only are exempted, because Christ has suf- 
fered for them.'" 

Uni. — " I know that such is common 
opinion; but still, I am unable to see how it 
can be said with propriety, that those have 
received according to their works — wiio have 
not done so personally." 

Elder — u Why there does appear to be 
something in that. I have never thought of 
the subject in that light before— how do you 
view the matter?" 

Uxi.— "I did not expect to be called upon 
to answer my own question — it was asked 
because I wanted information which I do not 
profess to have. But that the common opin- 
ion respecting forgiveness is incorrect I have 
now no doubt." 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES 



69 



Elder — " Well — give your own opinion.'' 

Uni. — u I can scarcely be said to have 
formed one — but it appears to me, that on the 
supposition of endless demerit for sin, it is 
impossible to render to every man according 
to his deeds, and at the same time any be 
forgiven. But if punishment' is temporary, 
the sinner can be forgiven even if punish- 
ment be inflicted. For it is not punishment? 
but sin that is said to be remitted." 

Elder — " This is new to me, and as you 
seem to be candid, I will think of it." 

Here the good old Elder took leave, little 
dreaming that the opinion which had been 
given, was as new to the young u School 
Master," as to himself But the lapse of 
thirty-years, during which this subject has 
often been made a matter of careful investi- 
gation, has wrought no material change in 
the views thus expressed. 

The Western Association met in June, 
1813, in the village of New Hartford; and 
enjoyed a happy and encouraging session. 
It is difficult since the multiplication of sim- 
ilar ecclesiastical bodies, to appreciate the 
feelings with which the meetings of this As- 



70 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



sociation, were anticipated. Individuals at 
the distance of 100, or 150 miles from the 
place of meeting, made their calculations and 
commenced their arrangements sometime in 
advance of the session. And when the time 
came, old and young congregated for the re- 
newal of friendships, to exchange salutations 
•. — and above all other things, to enjoy a sea- 
son of rational and high devotion. All be- 
came excited — -and there was a power and a 
pathos in the public discourses, that kindled 
and augmented the zeal of the congregations; 
and all felt that it was indeed "none other 
than the house of God and the gate of 
Heaven." The best talents in the denomi- 
nation were called out and put in requisition, 
and the time and circumstances were every 
way calculated to make an impression, wh'ch 
w T ould be felt for months to come, in every 
department of the order. 

At this session, " Letters of Fellowship,"' 
were granted to S. Jones, J. Gowdy, S. 
Miles, and S. R. Smith, as preachers of the 
everlasting gospel. Mr. Jones had been a 
Baptist preacher some twelve years; and 
had already preached the restitution for a 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



season when he received the fellowship of 
the Association. He was profoundly desti- 
tute of that species of knowledge derived 
from books, but possessed a remarkable flu- 
ency in the delivery of his discourses. His 
mind was strong and clear, and his language 
- — which frequently defied all grammatical 
rules, rolled on in one steady and unbroken 
current from the beginning to the end of his 
sermons. He was perfectly enamored of the 
doctrine of illimitable grace, and he preached 
it in all its fullness and power, at all times, in 
all places and on all occasions — 4n sermons 
of almost interminable length. For when his 
tongue was once set in motion— -the theme 
was so vast, the subject so grand, so good, 
so transporting, that he seemed never to 
know when to stop. Of all our number, he 
was possessed of far the most natural elo- 
quence, of the most commanding figure and 
most interesting and prepossessing appear- 
ance. He had a noble face and an expressive 
countenance, and when lighted up by the ani- 
mation inspired by his subject, and accompa- 
nied by the music of a most flexible and powei- 
ful voice— few men appeared to better advan* 



72 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES 



tage, and none commanded more profound 
and fixed attention. His constant practice 
of delivering a whole body of divinity in 
every discourse, gave a sameness to his 
desk labors that was unsuited to the wants 
of any single congregation — but this very 
circumstance rendered him eminently useful, 
as an itinerant preacher. 

Mr. Miles had also been a Baptist — but 
not a preacher; and he entered upon the 
work, with two sterling qualifications, a good 
heart, and a firm and abiding faith. These 
have been abundantly testified, by a life of 
persevering labor and unexceptionable virtue. 
In the estimation of some, he has impaired 
his usefulness by a habit of allegorizing, and 
thereby mystifying the scriptures. 

Mr. Gowdy was a Baptist minister — and 
like most of the preachers of that denomina- 
tion then in the country, was a very plain, 
unlettered man. He was accustomed to 
preach long spin-text sermons, in the very 
purest ding-dong monotony once so charac- 
teristic of that people. How such a man, at 
that day, came to be a convert to Univer- 
salism, was matter of surprise. But the 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



73 



truth was— he had mind, and appears to have 
thought more than half his church; and other 
circumstances being favorable to an acquaint- 
ance with Universalism, with the help of his 
Bible, he fairly argued himself into a belief 
of the doctrine. He lost little except his 
tone by the change — -and he gained a glori- 
ous faith which he vindicated through life, 
and w T hich fully sustained him with its hopes 
in death. 

Mr. C. Morton, formerly a Baptist, com- 
menced preaching the restitution, and was 
ordained as an evangelist at Saratoga, some 
time in the course of this year. With a fee- 
ble constitution and sickly body, he has never 
been as efficient a laborer as many others; 
but he has ever devoted the energies which 
he possessed, to the faithful inculcation of the 
truth. His sincerity and humility have won 
for him, the sympathy and respect of the 
members of his denomination. 

This Association evinced its solicitude to 
augment the number of its nominal preach- 
ers, by an act of gratuitous courtesy — not to 
say indiscretion. It was well known, that 
one of the individuals who received feilow- 
7 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



ship, had no intention of commencing the 
ministry under several months at least — if 
within the year. And yet his friends asked 
for him, and their request was granted, and 
he received a " Letter of Fellowship/' as a 
gospel minister ! With what show of 'pro- 
priety; such a measure could be adopted by 
a grave body, acting for the religious inter- 
ests of their denomination, does not very 
distinctly appear. True — the person was 
well known to several members of the As- 
sociation—but it could not be known, that he 
would ever become a preacher. And the 
Letter, which certified that he was a preach- 
er, and as such recommended him to the 
whole fraternity of Universalists, was en- 
tirely in anticipation of that fact. Strange 
as it may seem, this course of procedure, 
though seldom occurring, was neither repudi- 
ated nor formally abandoned, until after the 
lapse of more than seven subsequent years. 

This anxiety to engage numbers in the 
work of the ministry, was manifested in 
other ways, in acts of still greater impru- 
dence. " Letters of Fellowship," were not 
only given without any adequate inquiry into 



HISTORICAL, SKETCHES. 



75 



the qualifications of the applicants — but with- 
out any proper knowledge of their moral 
character. The consequences were what 
might be reasonably expected. Some very 
honest and well-meaning men were seized 
with the desire to preach the gospel, whose 
profound incapacity, was only sustained by 
their presumption — and others without their 
integrity, seem to have aspired to the minis- 
try of Universalism as a protection from the 
obloquy, or discipline which their indiscre- 
tions incurred, while connected with other 
denominations. This at least,is the aspect in 
which the conduct of several subsequent con- 
verts from other sects, is very distinctly pre- 
sented.- But as in many other things — expe- 
rience, if it has not wholly cured, has greatly 
mitigated these evils in our Association. 

A PRACTICAL TEST OF THE TRUTH. 

The practical tendency of Universalism, 
was diligently represented as "only evil;" 
and that consequently, it was unworthy of 
adoption. It was therefore natural for its 
believers, to observe its tendency in the gen- 
eral conduct of its professors. A gentleman, 



76 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES* 



then recently established on a small farm.had 
the misfortune to have his house, his stock 
of provisions, his furniture and even the val- 
uable wearing apparel of his family, con- 
sumed by fire. He and his wife were — if 
not members, at least attached to the Con- 
gregational Chuch, and attended its meetings. 
As a matter of course, the eyes of the suf- 
ferers were turned to the members of their 
own congregation, for sympathy and aid. 
A subscription was accordingly put in circula- 
tion; and very properly presented to the cit- 
izens generally without regard to their reli- 
gious profession. Nor is it probable, that 
the faith of those most interested, was taken 
into the account by a majority of contribu- 
tors. And yet, it so happened — the fact was 
often named, and was probably never denied 
— that the subscriptions of Universalists av- 
eraged several times the amount, given by 
an equal number of Congregationalists of 
equal property. The lesson which it taught, 
will never be forgotten. If this was the re- 
sult of constitution, it was practical proof 
that mankind were not equally depraved — if 
it was the fruit of Universalism, it was suffi- 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES 



77 



cient to silence forever, the cavils respecting 
the moral tendency of that doctrine, and 
commend it to the acceptance of every be- 
nevolent mind. 

TEACHING AND PREACHING. 

Some idea may be formed of the general 
state of Universalism, in most places in cen- 
tral New York, at this time — from the fact, 
that when a certain young preacher engaged 
a school for the winter of 1813-14, it was 
deemed necessary to stipulate, that he might 
occupy the school house a part of the Sab- 
baths for holding meetings. Even this in- 
dulgence would not have been granted, in all 
places. But Mr. Stacy had preached in this 
vicinity some few times; and fortunately 
two or three respectable and influential indi- 
viduals had become believers in the restitu- 
tion. It was accordingly soon arranged, that 
meetings should be held every two weeks — 
the Methodists having the use of the house 
alternate Sundays. No provision was of 
course made, and nothing definite was said 
about compensation — indeed none was ex- 
pected. The first and great object was to 
7# 



78 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



obtain hearers; all expectations of support 
being based exclusively upon other resources. 

Here then, the double duty of teach- 
ing and preaching was performed, during the 
long winter; and to one so inexperienced, 
the labor was intensely arduous. The larger 
pupils, and nearly every family in the district, 
whatever their religious faith, very generally 
and punctually attended the meetings. So 
that the congregations were about as numer- 
ous, as well as respectable, as any in the 
place. These meetings were regularly con- 
tinued about six months, during which time, 
the preacher received many personal civili- 
ties — and by way of compensation, half a 
bushel of dry apples, and eight or ten loads of 
ivood for the benefit of his father's family! 
The remaining Sabbaths w T ere spent in seve- 
ral different places, and altogether brought 
during the same time, in substantial currency^ 
about ten dollars! 

Small as this compensation, or rather char- 
ity w T as — it was received with that feeling 
of gratitude, w T hich perhaps nothing but the 
peculiar circumstances of the denomination 
could have inspired. And the preacher who 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES* 



79 



received it. has seldom drawn more encour- 
aging assurances of countenance and support, 
from any sum however large or unlooked for, 
than from these small bestowments. The 
means of those who gave, were by no 
means so small as to render such gifts bur- 
densome—on the contrary they were abun- 
dantly ample. But it was known that the 
"School Master" was receiving good wages 
— some of our older preachers were perpet- 
ually declaiming against ministerial salaries 
— and no doctrine which they preached was 
so readily received, or half so popular. Poor 
good men — had they known how little was 
received by the ministers generally, of all 
sects, at that time, they would have had little 
cause of complaint of its abundance. 

SERMON AMONG OLD ACQUAINTANCE. 

It happens to most young preachers, that 
among their early severe trials — is that of 
preaching a first sermon to the people among 
whom they have spent their childhood and 
youth. Few events are accompanied with 
such a multitude of singular associations; 
and none are better calculated to test "the 



so 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



stuff the man is made of "—than a first ser- 
mon at home. There, and all around him, 
are the men and women under whose eyes 
his morning-days were passed — there too are 
the youth, with whom he played and gamboled 
in childhood, with whom he shared the joys 
and griefs of young life, and with whom 
until lately, he romped and frolicked and 
sympathized in far other scenes and sub- 
jects than those which now engage his 
attention. No matter how pure he kept 
himself from actual wrong — how innocent 
his gaity, or how elevated his principles.— 
He has assumed a new and a grave charac- 
ter — he has commenced teaching in sacred 
things — has become a minister of religion; 
and all ages and sexes that knew him, are 
determined for once, to test his capacity and 
satisfy themselves of his pretensions. Every 
one desires to see him in his new character 
— to hear what he can say and how he will 
say it, and to know precisely how he looks 
and acts as a clergyman. With many, there 
is a deeper interest — they wish to ascertain 
whether his heart is in the matter, and if the 
purity of earnest upright integrity mingles 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES 



81 



its influence in his profession. Some will 
hear him for the ignoble purpose of bearing 
their part in staring him down — others, be- 
cause they wish him well, either because 
they were the friends of his parents, or they 
liked the boy, or were pleased with the youth, 
— will hear him for his encouragement. At 
all events, he will have a full house, and an 
attentive auditory. Old bigotry itself, will 
for once forget its obstinacy, and crawl forth 
to speculate upon the new and strange things 
to be seen and heard; those of all religions 
and no religion, "the fearful and unbelieving" 
sit down together to listen with new inter- 
est to a sermon. 

The appointment had been made — and the 
young preacher prepared to meet the very 
congregation which of all others knew him 
best; but which, for that identical reason, 
he most dreaded to appear before in the 
character of a clergyman. Not that he was 
conscious of deserving, or so much as feared, 
either contempt or reproach — it was not the 
dread of the guilty mind, it was not the 
withering apprehension of the bashful youth 
-—but it was the singular consideration that 



82 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



every body knew him, and would witness his 
success or his fall; and judge of his capacity 
and principles. Passing the dwelling of a 
most worthy and venerable member of the 
Methodist Church, with whose family the 
preacher had long lived in intimacy and 
friendship, he witnessed much bustle and pre- 
paration for attending meeting. Smiling fa- 
ces and friendly nods seemed to say — we are 
all coming, and whether you sink or swim, 
we shall stand by you and show ourselves 
your friends. 

We may reprobate the grosser forms of 
superstition as we will, and wonder that so- 
ber minds could ever believe in omens — but 
with all our better light, and the never fail- 
ing guide of revelation; there are probably 
few persons who have not enough of the 
pagan still about them, to induce them to 
seize on something as the sign of good or 
evil, success or misfortune. This young 
preacher was sinking under the weight of an- 
ticipated embarrassments, which were accu- 
mulating as he approached nearer to the 
scene of trial. The sight of a gloomy and 
foreboding countenance, would -have broken 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 88 

his heart and overwhelmed him with despair* 
How very grateful and encouraging it was 
then, to meet on the first recognized faces, 
the kindly assurance of a cheerful look! 
How much of the heart shines out in the 
countenance; and how many of life's purest 
enjoyments — how much of its success, of 
fidelity to its duties and its trusts, often de- 
pend greatly upon such trifles as a word, or 
a smile of approval! — In this instance, the 
preacher was re-assured, and welcomed the 
pledge that his reliance on Heaven for sup- 
port, was not in vain. 

The congregation assembled — the hour of 
service came — and the speaker entered the 
same house and took his place on the identi- 
cal stand, wiiere some three years before, he 
had seen a young man tremble and quail be- 
fore many who were now again present. — 
This he remembered; and the recollection 
tended to diminish the sum of composure 
which with great effort he had attained. To 
gain a little time, and if possible some degree 
of assurance — he very frankly told the au- 
dience, how sensible he was of the strange 
situation in which he found himself placed — 



84 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



how many recollections crowded upon him 
— how utterly powerless he stood before 
them, save in the strength of the everlasting 
God. This brief parley was sanctified to the 
end proposed — the preacher stood self-col- 
lected, and the congregation gave attention. 

The intermission brought the preacher 
within the reach of salutations from the com- 
panions and acquaintance of his w T hole life; 
and among them — the friends from whose 
kind looks he had that morning drawn so 
much encouragement. The good old Meth- 
odist father was there too, gave his hand, 
and uttered with solemn fervor and peculiar 
emphasis, u God bless you." This was so 
strange — falling as it did, upon a Universalis 
— coming as it did, from a devoted Methodist 
— that the audible benediction of Paul him- 
self, could scarcely have awakened more 
wonder, or inspired more gratitude. And 
what could this mean! Why, of all living 
men should he give his benediction to one 
who had just preached in his hearing, what 
as a Methodist he could not approve? He 
might have forgotten his creed, in the recol- 
lection that the preacher had grown up under 
his own eyes — perhaps he was one of those, 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



85 



who looked abroad and beyond the views of 
his sect, and believed in quiet, and hoped 
with assurance in the final restitution of all 
the human race. However this may be, his 
blessing did much to assure the preacher, 
that the hour of his trial in preaching among 
the companions of his youth and the wit- 
nesses of his whole life — had now passed 
away forever. 

WESTERN ASSOCIATION GENESEE BRANCH, 

This year (1814) the Association met in 
Sherburne, Chenango Co., .and received a 
number of accessions by various means, to 
its numbers and strength. The names of C. 
G. Person, A. Green and L. Pitts, appear for 
the first time, on the Minutes of this session, 
among the ministers of the reconciliation.— 
Mr. Person was well known to the denomi- 
nation, as an experienced, able and faithful 
co-w r orker in the ministry. He settled about 
this time, as pastor of the congregations in 
Duanesburg, Schenectada Co., and Green- 
field in Saratoga; and to the latter place he 
removed from Vermont, or New Hampshire, 
thenceforward to be numbered among the 

8 



86 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES* 



preachers in New York. He was possessed 
of an excellent and discriminating judgement, 
a strong memory, and good preaching tal- 
ents. As a counsellor, he had no superior — 
as a christian, there were none more self- 
sacrificing, or charitable, or devoted. In 
public and private life, there are few indeed, 
w T ho have not said and done more weak and 
wrong things, than this good man. His life 
has been one continued testimony of the faith 
he professed; and the respect in w T hich he 
has been held by all who knew him is proof 
of the value and character of his influence. 

Dr. Green had been for some years, an 
Elder of the Baptist Church. Small of stat- 
ure, of meagre aspect, with a thin and feeble 
voice, he was laborious, ardent and eccentric. 
He abounded in good humor — related innu- 
merable anecdotes; and strangely mixed up 
his fun with his devotions. His patience and 
forbearance were absolutely inexhaustible. 
He preached discourses respectable for their 
soundness and moral bearing; but he illus- 
trated them with the most grotesque and 
laughable materials. He seemed to recur to 
things the most singular and out-of-the-way 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



87 



imaginable; and yet nothing ever came 
amiss, or in such shape, that he could 
not mould it to his purpose. But with all his 
oddity — he was always honored and loved as 
a good man. He is now low in the vale of 
years: and may his sun go down with the 
clearness and calmness that has marked his 
day. 

Mr. Pitts was a convert from the Metho- 
dists — and had probably been employed as a 
local preacher. Of his talents or acquire- 
ments, little is known; as he remained but a 
few years in the connexion, which he this 
year formed with Universalists. 

At the session of the proceeding year, the 
society in Pittsford, then Ontario now Mon- 
roe County, was received into fellowship. — 
It was principally composed of English Uni- 
tarians; but being believers in the restitution, 
they sympathised with Universalists, and 
united with them accordingly. This was 
one of the largest and strongest societies in 
the State. Its former w r orthy and intel- 
ligent minister, Mr. Billinghurst, continued 
his labors with this congregation. This was 
emphatically the first Universalist Society in 



88 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



what is properly denominated " Western 
New York" — and it took the appropriate 
name of "The first Universalist Society in 
the County of Ontario," which then included 
a tract of country that would suffice for a 
respectable State. Few congregations have 
maintained their identity and influence, with 
greater fidelity or success. Mr. Billinghurst 
possessed a well-chosen library, which like 
his house and his heart, was open to every 
friend of truth and righteousness. And to 
this plain, intelligent and good man, and to 
the Society with which he was identified, 
Universalism is greatly indebted for its gene- 
ral prosperity in the surrounding region. 

There were now (1814) two or three 
preachers in Western New York— Mr. L. 
Knapp having established himself either 
with, or in the vicinity of Mr. Billinghurst; 
and Mr. I. Parker, of Benton in the same 
County, who had been present at a previous 
Session of the Association. It is believed 
that the latter was a convert from the Bap- 
tists; and that he died soon after the time to 
which reference is here made. He was es- 
teemed more for his moral and religious 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES* 



89 



worth, than for his pulpit talents; but he ex- 
erted these with fidelity and becoming zeal 
The preachers and congregations in this 
section of the State, instructed their dele- 
gate to the Association, Mr. Knapp, to ask 
the organization of a Branch, in Western 
New York. And after due consideration of 
their isolated situation — the expense and in- 
convenience of meeting the yearly sessions 
of the Association, and the probable, better in- 
fluence which would be exerted in promoting 
the cause of truth, it was resolved, that the re- 
quest ought to be granted. The petitioners 
were accordingly authorized to call a meet- 
ing of delegates, for the purpose of carrying 
such resolution into effect; which was done 
in the fall — when the " Genesee Branch of 
the Western Association" was duly organ- 
ized. 

This, as may well be conceived, was a 
subject of great interest, as well as impor- 
tance to the denomination. It told well for 
the progress of the cause; and was fully ap- 
preciated both by its friends and its enemies. 
Whatever might be the condition of indi- 
vidual congregations — the legitimate power 



00 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



and influence of the denomination, would be 
acknowledged and felt in a new, and exten- 
sive region. Its sessions, which would be 
attended by delegates from the parent Asso- 
ciation, would not only impart new energy 
to believers, but would tend to increase pub- 
lic confidence by the introduction and main- 
tenance of a system of order. The creation 
of this new body, gave a better general idea 
of the real strength and number of Univer- 
salists, than could have been known even to 
themselves, by any other obvious means. — 
And this effect was no less valuable, in secur- 
ing the co-operation of such as hesitated be- 
tween two opinions, so long as they saw and 
knew only the few around them. 

One additional society — that of "Sher- 
burne and Columbus," was received into Fel- 
lowship, at this session of the Western As- 
sociation. It thus appears, that from every 
quarter, the believers in the faith ©f Abra- 
ham, had reasons of encouragement and con- 
gratulation. Old societies were gradually 
increasing in numbers and strength — preach- 
ers were multiplying — a new Association had 
been projected, where only some two or 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES, 



91 



three years previous, it was not so much as 
known that any considerable body of believ- 
ers existed. These were the buddings of 
that moral wilderness, which has since then 
put forth blossoms and borne much fruit. 

ITINERATING. 

As a natural consequence, those societies 
which could command the regular services of 
a clergyman, would locate the older and 
more experienced ministers of the order.— 
And there were generally, enough of such, 
to supply for a greater or less proportion of 
the time, all the congregations which aspired 
to the maintainance of regular public wor- 
ship. It therefore followed, that with few 
exceptions — every young minister was com- 
pelled to itinerate. This, though attended 
with many inconveniences, as well as requir- 
ing great labor, was probably best under the 
circumstances, both for preachers and peo- 
ple. It gave many congregations the means 
of holding an occasional meeting and inquir- 
ers an opportunity of hearing the truth, at 
the same time that the young preacher was 
acquiring experience. Societies incurred 



92 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



little expense, and preachers prevented from 
reading books, studied human nature , under 
aspects, which never could have been con- 
templated in any other way* The mission 
of such a minister, is emphatically to all the 
world. Unfettered by the local considera- 
tions and attachments of the settled pastor— 
the itinerant feels an independence, and ex- 
presses himself with a freedom and boldness, 
that would startle or astonish the servant of 
a congregation. This therefore is the field 
in which germinated that species of charac- 
ter, for which some of the preachers of the 
denomination, are still distinguished; and 
which whatever their worth, renders them 
more the objects of respect than of esteem. 

But while destitute and feeble congrega- 
tions were assisted and often established and 
built up by the instrumentality of an itine- 
rant ministry — the real wants of such preach- 
ers were sometimes overlooked and neg- 
lected. Many of the older preachers of 
Universalism, expended in travelling to fill 
their appointments, all that they received. 
Others who had it to spare — freely devoted 
the gatherings of previous years of toil; and 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



93 



reduced themselves to poverty. And often 
have these men, travelled the long, weary 
day, unrefreshed, from "early dawn to latest 
eve/' to reach the place of their appoint- 
ment. Poorly clad and poorly sustained — ■ 
who can wonder that they were unknown 
by the world! 

PROSPECTS. 

The writer continued his studies as far as 
practicable; and his ministry by occasional 
appointments in the vicinity of his residence. 
He did not desire a settlement — preached 
mostly in places where no organization had 
been effected by the believers — -and occasion- 
ally supplied the desk for the clergyman 
whose hospitality gave him a home, when he 
found it convenient to preach abroad. His 
ministrations were certainly felt, and no 
doubt believed by others, to be of a very in- 
ferior order; and leaving him little encour- 
agement of success in new places, and noth- 
ing to hope from societies which could com- 
mand better talents and abler services. It 
is not very difficult, to form an. idea of the 
situation and prospects of a young man, 



94 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



thrown among strangers, and to a great ex- 
tent, dependent upon their sympathies and 
charities; and who, while he labored and 
travelled much, and preached nearly every 
Sunday — did not receive enough to pay his 
board and defray his travelling expenses. — 
Why he did not become utterly disheart- 
ened — why, when poverty, and neglect, and 
contumely, lay before him and spread them- 
selves over most of the future — he did not 
yield to despair, there is but one reason short 
of invoking a divine purpose — he felt, and he 
believed, that he must preach the gospel of 
reconciliation. And at times — in defiance of 
the darkness and dreariness of the prospect 
gleams of light would sometimes throw a 
radiance over what lay in the distance; and 
hope would lay hold on the promise that 
truth must prevail. How fully that hope has 
been verified, can be inferred from the al- i 
most miraculous progress of the doctrine of 
the restitution during the last thirty years. 
In the State of New York alone, the number 
of Societies has increased in that time, from 
less than ten. to nearly three hundred — and 
instead of some six or seven preachers, there 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



95 



are now more than twenty times that number 
—all better prepared for their duties; and all 
far better sustained. 

YOUNG PREACHERS. 

It has long been a subject of frequent re- 
mark, that Universalists were particularly 
indisposed to encourage young preachers. — - 
And that unkind neglects and discourage- 
ments have sometimes occurred, can neither 
be doubted nor denied. But as one, who 
has probably felt, as well as observed the na- 
ture of this charge in all its common bear- 
ings—I am induced to believe that the evil 
complained of, lies rather in the condition of 
the preacher, than in the community. It 
not only may, but it ought to be asked— what 
the public has a right to expect from a young 
man who assumes the character of a minis- 
ter of religion"? From the very nature of 
his profession — it expects that he will pos- 
sess a respectable education — that he has 
seen enough of mankind, to be able to ac- 
commodate himself to the conventional hab- 
its and customs of society — and that he is so 
far theoretically at least, acquainted with 



96 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



his professional duties, as to be able to acquit 
himself respectably on ail ordinary occa- 
sions. 

But those who have given the subject any 
attention, will not — cannot pretend, that the 
young men who formerly entered the minis- 
try, were generally in a condition — were 
qualified, to meet these expectations. So far 
from it — they were in a great majority of in- 
stances, very destitute of education — were 
greatly deficient in the knowledge of men 
and things, and were almost entire strangers 
to theology as a science, as well as to their 
own need of its instructions. They knew 
and believed the truth — could sustain it by 
sound and sensible arguments; and prove it 
by innumerable quotations from scripture. — - 
Here their strength lay — here began and 
ended their studies, and their theological 
knowledge. 

It was not in the nature of things, that 
young men so situated — whatever might be 
their intellectual and moral worth — should be 
always well received, or encouraged. It 
was necessary that they should be known to 
be appreciated — and being forced to itinerate 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 97 

almost constantly— it was impossible that 
they should be known. And as a natural 
consequence, the person who felt himself neg- 
lected or abused by those to whom he looked 
for countenance- — would neither act nor 
preach with the freedom which he would 
otherwise have done. Thus his embarrass- 
ments would be increased, and his difficulties 
and hardships multiplied. As an illustration: 
A young man after travelling nearly fifty 
miles to fill an appointment which had been 
requested; and preaching three sermons on 
the Sunday, was presented with about one 
dollar and twenty-five cents — the gentleman 
who presented it, deliberately remarking 
that "there was but little of it, but it was 
probably worth as much as the preaching!" 
This might have been true to the letter; but 
there was both cruelty and meanness in its 
expression. Nor is it any mitigation of either, 
that the man lived to think differently on the 
subject. As a matter of course, the preacher 
never visited that society again — and never 
forgot the pain that the insult gave him, 
when of all other periods of his life, he most 
needed counsel and kindness. 
9 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



Ie view of these facts and considerations, 
it cannot be matter of surprise, that Univer- 
salism progressed but slowly; and for a num- 
ber of years appeared to exert but little influ- 
ence over the public mind. The wonder is — 
that under the circumstances, it moved for- 
ward so steadily and successfully as it did. — 
For it not only combatted single handed, the 
whole concentrated mass of religious preju- 
dice and corruption; but it encountered and 
to some extent discomfitted the learned, 
without any pretension to science. And 
there is not probably in the history of reli- 
gion, a parallel — except in the establishment 
of Christianity, when a few obscure and il- 
literate Fishermen from the sea of Tiberias, 
won converts among the religious Jews — 
overthrew the philosophical theories of con- 
flicting sects and annihilated the "wisdom of 
the world.'' In both cases, the reasons of 
success are the same — the simplicity and in- 
telligibility of the truth. Nothing else can 
account for the ever widening and growing 
power which accompanied the propagation of 
primitive Christianity — nothing but this,could 
have sent abroad the influence of Universal- 
ism with similar certainty and success. 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



99 



The religious world was high-minded and 
spiritually proud. A large proportion of the 
clergymen of the different sects, were doubt- 
less sincere and good men, as they certainly 
were well educated; and their influence, of 
which they were abundantly sensible, was 
almost complete, over the public mind. Men 
of talents, of reputation, of elevated station, 
of learning and taste, could hardly venture 
with safety, either to hear or profess a doc- 
trine so generally obnoxious, so much de- 
spised, and so universally condemned. And 
then — when on some occasion or pretence, 
they did attend a Universalist meeting — how 
were all their ideas of congruity shocked! — - 
The place, either a loft in some unoccupied 
building — or, a school house where the hear- 
ers were huddled together in smoke and dirt 
— or, perchance a barn, in which the farm- 
cattle would next congregate! Turning their 
eyes from the place, upon the preacher, they 
saw a plain, unlettered, and usually poorly 
dressed man — green in youth, or toil and 
care worn in middle age — brown with ex- 
posure and covered with the spots and dust 
accumulated in travelling. But we are ut- 



100 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 

terly incompetent to finish the picture. The 
original must have been seen, or the imagin- 
ation must fail of a just appreciation of the 
subject. 

No matter how gifted by nature, how 
sound his arguments, or how well sustained 
by the authority of revelation — such a 
preacher, so situated, could not be, and was 
not considered to be, on a footing of equality 
with others of the clerical profession. It 
was then, the power of naked and unadorned 
truth, that wrought the mighty and growing- 
change which, has been and is now being 
effected in favor of a world's salvation.— 
Such is the "word of faith," preached by 
Universalists. 

But we may safely appeal to the general 
conduct of societies, for evidence of a pre- 
vailing readiness to extend every encourage- 
ment to all those whom they deemed compe- 
tent to meet the public expectations. A very 
large proportion of our present preachers 
are comparatively young men; and they at 
least, have little reason to complain of the 
countenance and support of the denomina- 
tion. And the reason is plain — they are bet- 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 101 



ter prepared, by higher qualifications to sus- 
tain the responsibilities and perform the im- 
portant duties of their profession. 

A correct notion may be formed of the 
feeling of friends, in relation to this subject, 
from the following conversation which took 
place but a few years since. An intelligent 
and devoted Universalist layman, residing in 
one of the western States, was asked why 
certain preachers, known to be in his vicinity, 
were not more encouraged? He replied — - 
" That is impossible. I am not very difficult 
myself; but when a man professing to be a 
clergyman, appears in the garb, and with the 
address suited to any and every thing but a 
minister, it is really quite as much as I can 
do to introduce him to respectable opposers, 
as one of our preachers. And it is enough 
to choke one, to be saluted among strangers, 
with — 'How are you, Br. G. — how are the 
folks — hungry for the gospel, eh? — Well, 
where am I to preach, to-night? — O, where 
shall I put my horse? 7 Nothing short of the 
special grace of God, can give us prosperity 
under such auspices. These men may, and 
indeed they do, preach well; and they are 
9* 



102 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



good and wise me'n; but with their inatten- 
tion to the habits and courtesies of society, 
they never can greatiy advance the interests 
of our cause. No — send us men of equal 
worth, of equal talents, with better social 
tastes and habits, and we will engage to give 
a good account of the progress of Univer- 
salism." 

LIBERALITY AND PREJUDICE. 

It is not uncommon to find persons of much 
intelligence and great moral worth, who as- 
sociate the grossest and silliest prejudices 
with sound religious principles. This is 
.sometimes the result of simple inattention 
but more generally proceeds from a habit 
of contemplating a subject in one point of 
view, or through a false medium. And with 
all their moral worth, there is scarcely a sect 
among us, which oftener falls into this error 
and betrays its effects with more certainty, 
than the Friends or Quakers. The original 
disgusts and dislikes of their founders, are 
still cherished with most unflinching pertina- 
city, while they have found it necessary or 
expedient, to do by indirect means, the very 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



10S 



things which they condemn. We say nothing 
of the sober color, or antiquated fashion of 
their dress— nor of the obsolete terms of 
speech persevered in with Jewish determina- 
tion under every change in the idiom of the 
language. These, however absurd or ridicu- 
lous, are still very harmless affairs; and like 
the common "stake and stones,' 7 though not 
very sightly, may serve as the intelligi- 
ble land marks by which to distinguish their 
boundaries. We refer to a reprehensible big- 
otry respecting all preachers, except their 
own. 

Not a hundred miles from Providence, 
R. I. and among a host of near and remote 
relatives of all faiths and no faith, an ap- 
pointment was made for an afternoon lec- 
ture. While waiting for the hour of service, 
at the house of a Quaker sister, she said with 
great kindness of voice and manner — «"S. — " 
(the christian name of course) — "S. — -I shall 
not go to thy meeting." 

Preacher— "Pray Sister — why not go to 
hear me preach? It is but a short distance. 

Quakeress — "It is not the distance but I 
cannot go to thy meeting," 



104 HISTORICAL SKETCHES'. 



P. "Well Sister, vou must act for votuv 
self. Have you any personal reasons for 
your refusal!" 

Q. "O no; I have full confidence in thy 
sincerity, because thee has chosen an unpop- 
ular creed, and I believe thee to be a good 
man." 

P. "What is it then! Is it because you 
are so much opposed to my opinions, that 
you will not hear your brother preach the 
doctrine of Universal Salvation!" 

Q. "No; thee is right in thy doctrine; for 
the good God can never make his children 
miserable to ail eternity. I cannot hear thee 
preach, because like others, thee receives 
money for preaching!" And she kept her 
word by staying at home. 

It never occurred to her mind, that the way 
in which the preachers, or "public Friends," 
of her owti denomination were provided for, 
was as properly and quite as fully a money 
matter, as it could be among Universalists. 
She could not perceive, that giving them 
travelling expenses, clothing, a horse; or 
even paying a man for carrying on their or- 
dinary business while they were abroad on 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



105 



a preaching excursion — had any thing to do 
with receiving pay for preaching! And she 
would at that moment, have given any one 
of them, more aid in money or apparel, than 
her brother who called things by their pro- 
per names, had received during the whole 
year in which he had preached the recon- 
ciliation. 

A BUS TAKE. 

Mr. Carrique, with whom the writer resi- 
ded at the time, occasionally went abroad to 
a Sunday appointment. Sometime in the 
summer of 1814; he was urged to make an 
appointment, at the distance of some forty 
miles, at his earliest convenience. This he 
accordingly did; but when the time arrived, 
the indisposition of his family prevented him. 
from attending. And as in all similar cases 
••made and provided. 7 - the preaching student 
was sent with an introduction to the proper 
authorities— an explanation of the causes of 
the disappointment — and an assurance that 
the messenger was an accredited minister, 
and most worthy [young man. Fastidious- 
ness itself could hardly hesitate under all 



106 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



this; and he was received with all imagina- 
ble courtesy and kindness. 

Sunday morning came, the congregation 
poured in from all quarters, and soon filled 
the house* The speaker made his apology 
for his appearance instead of the gentleman 
invited — commenced the services, and deliv- 
ered a decidedly doctrinal discourse. At the 
close of service, he was introduced to a dea- 
con of the Baptist church in that place; and by 
him invited to spend the intermission at his 
house. This was accordingly done, in compa- 
ny with several gentleman and ladies — most- 
ly Baptists. Their cordiality and great liber- 
ality were matters of surprise; but as it was 
presumed that opposers were not necessarily 
bigots, no remarks were made on the subject. 

This friendly party accompanied the speak- 
er to church, in the afternoon. During the 
service, the gentleman on whom he had at 
first called, and who was a practisng phy- 
cician, was called out, and did not return 
until the congregation had dispersed. When 
he entered his home, it was evident that the 
good doctor had met with some pleasing ad- 
venture. He had encountered the deacon, of 



Historical sketches. 



whom he had enquired — how he was grati- 
fied, and what he thought of the young 
preacher? — The deacon had been in some 
respects, very well pleased — thought the 
young man would as he gained confidence, 
and experience, and perhaps wisdom, im- 
prove and become useful — that he w T as cer- 
taiuly very sociable, w T hich was pretty good 
promise that he would become a tolerable 
speaker— but it was to he feared that he was 
inclining to UniversalismJ 

This was too much for the doctor. He 
roared outright, and laughed 'till the house 
rang again. As soon as he recovered his 
composure and his breath — 'there' said he 
'there, you have the proof that preposession 
resists the evidence of the senses. You told 
that man and the congregation that you 
were a Universalist— you preached Univer- 
salism to them, and yet, they continued to 
believe, in defiance of all you preached and 
all you could say, that you were a Baptist! 

The truth of the matter was this- — It was 
a Baptist Church destitute of a pastor — the 
gentleman who had given the invitation and 
through whose instrumentality the appoint- 



108 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



ment had been made, was one of the commit- 
tee for supplying the desk. He was a Uni- 
versalist; and availed himself of his position,, 
to give the church a Sunday's preaching by 
one of his own faith. Notice had accord- 
ingly been given, that the desk would be 
supplied that day — but none save a few 
friends knew by whom, it being taken for 
granted, that it would be by a Baptist. The 
deacon and the whole church therefore, re- 
ceived the young man as their candidate. — - 
And he in all simnlicity and without the least 
consciousness of the state of things, had 
been deliberately tricked into a gross and au- 
dacious imposition. The author of this farce, 
had the candor to assume the responsibility 
that really belonged to him; and the affair 
was suffered to pass over in quiet. Can it 
be matter of surprise, that such manoeuvres 
should bring contempt and even abhorrence, 
upon a cause which they were designed to 
favor] And is it to be wondered at — that 
those who will condescend to employ such 
means, should be regarded as destitute of 
true religious dignity, and christian princi- 
ples? 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 109 



THE FUNERAL. 

There were two neighbors residing in 
central New York, both members of a small 
Presbyterian society; and both had reached 
that period of life, when they were distin- 
guished as old men. A death had occurred 
in the family of a mutual friend, and accord- 
ing to immemorial custom, every neighbor, 
and especially the friends of the mourners, 
were expected at the funeral. But what was 
to be done? The funeral discourse was to be 
delivered by a Universalist minister — for- 
merly a Baptist Elder, and but recently con- 
verted to the faith of the restitution. It was 
of course, a matter of general wonder and 
regret, that a Universalist should be called to 
officiate on such an occasion; and particu- 
larly so in this instance, as there existed a 
species of indignation against the Elder for 
having abandoned his former faith and reli- 
gious connections. For as things then were, 
it was not very unnatural to suppose, that 
such a man was far gone in mental depravity, 
and that the next step would be to commit 
some daring outrage against social order and 
moral virtue. 10 



110 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



Full of these impressions and apprehen- 
sions, one of these old men, after much anx- 
ious deliberation resolved to attend the fu- 
neral. His way lay directly by the resi- 
dence of his Presbyterian brother, whom he 
found busy with some trifling matter, and 
quite out of temper; when in substance, the 
following conversation occurred: 

1st. Presbyterian—" Good morning Br, 
E. — , why, it is time you were ready to at- 
tend the funeral." 

2d Pres.— " The funeral! Humph- — I sup- 
pose it is; but I sha'nt go." 

1st Pres.- — " Not attend the funeral of our 
neighbors, at this busy season, when many 
cannot go — -and you and I have little to hin- 
der us! I am surprised at you." 

2d Pres. — "Well, I sha'nt go— 'Let the 
dead bury their dead/ " 

1st Pres. — "But why not go] What rea- 
son have you for staying at home?" 

2d Pres. — "There is reason enough. Do 
you suppose that / will go and hear a Uni- 
versalist preach a funeral sermon? What 
can he say on such an occasion? You may 
go, if you like — but I shall not attend/ ■ 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES 111 



1st Pres.— "I do not know what he will 
say; but I have thought the matter over, 
and come to the conclusion that it is my duty 
to go and see my deceased neighbor decently 
buried. I am not bound to believe what I 
hear; but if any good is said, I can receive 
it, even when said by a Universalist. I 
would therefore go if the Devil himself, 
preached!" 

This w T as enough. The objector hastily 
prepared to accompany his friend — listened 
most attentively to the discourse, and if he 
was not converted, he was certainly very 
much gratified. And from that day for- 
ward while he lived, notwithstanding the ob- 
loquy attached to the doctrine, he seldom 
failed to attend the meeting of Universalists 
w 7 hen so near as to meet his convenience. — 
Few friends of the truth, filled their places 
in the congregation more regularly or cer- 
tainly than this aged Presbyterian. Whether 
he ever uttered an expression from which 
any change in his views could be inferred, 
is not known; but his conduct gave abund- 
ant proof, that he had outlived his prejudices, 
and that he felt a decided interest in the doc- 



112 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



trine of Universal salvation. His liberality 
was of far more consequence than he ever 
supposed. His connections were both nu- 
merous and respectable; and seeing him 
frankly approve, and openly attend on the 
preaching of Universalism; they felt that 
they might, and they accordingly did, do 
the same, with similar independence. It will 
be difficult for many at this day, to form an 
idea of the value of the influence exerted by 
an individual under such circumstances. — - 
And they can only form a proper estimate, 
by recollecting that it was the infancy of the 
cause — that it had but few friends — that 
these friends were prevented from giving 
their countenance and aid, by every means 
which sectarian power, policy and ingenuity 
could devise and apply— and that all these 
things out of the question, the friends of 
Universalism were not always, nor often 
very wealthy or influential. It was there- 
fore, a matter of equal surprise and gratifi- 
cation, to find one in the ranks of opposers, 
whose example was full of charity, and 
whose influence was both desirable and bene- 
ficial 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES* 113 



REV, EBENEZER LESTER. 

This gentleman was from the vicinity of 
Norwich, Conn., and commenced the min- 
istry at an advanced age. Where, or how 
long, he had preached the reconciliation, is 
not known. But a kind Providence sent him 
in 1814, to the destitute society in Whites- 
town, at a time when all other resources 
seemed unavailing. Like many others of 
his time, his views were strongly tinctured 
with the prevailing orthodoxy; and in clear 
and comprehensive perception of the doc- 
trinal simplicity of Universalism, he was far 
behind the majority of his congregation. — - 
He entertained some of the distinguishing 
doctrines of Mr. J. Relly— but his favorite 
theme was the saint's reign with Christ of a 
1000 years. He had a passion for this sub- 
ject. And he probably never preached a 
sermon, nor discoursed with his friends even 
for a few minutes without obtruding its con- 
sideration and urging its importance. This, 
he seemed to regard, as the legitimate end 
and aim of all faith and all good works; and 
10* 



114 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES* 



he enforced it for the same reasons that 
others do eternal rewards. 

Mr. Lester was of course, more in favor 
with opposers of the restitution, than was 
the common lot of his ministering brethren. 
And while the principal members of his con- 
gregation derived little instruction or edifi- 
cation from his sermons — he attracted others 
to his meetings and was the instrument of 
uniting them to the church. His services 
w 7 ere in this way, productive of manifest and 
substantial good. His age — his trembling 
limbs — his solemn and dignified decorum, all 
combined to impress his hearers with vene- 
ration for the man; and to inspire respect 
for his sentiments. He never united with 
the denomination; though he asked and re- 
ceived in 1815, ordination, at the hands of a 
Council of his own selection, composed of 
members of the Western Association. He 
w r as then ministering to the Lombard street 
Society in Philadelphia; from which place, 
at the expiration of the year, he returned 
to Connecticut, where he ended his days in 
peace and in the triumphs of universal 
grace* 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



115 



WESTERN ASSOCIATION. 

No societies were this year added to the 
fellowship of the denomination* — but the ac- 
cessions to the ministry were unusually large 
and encouraging. One clergyman, Mr. I. 
Root, a man of strong talents, clear views, 
and great personal worth, was present at the 
session, and in the course of the season, lo- 
cated at what is now Mottville, Onondaga 
County. He was known as an able co- 
worker in the cause of truth; and his estab- 
lishment in the country was justly regarded 
as a new guaranty of the prosperity of Uni- 
versalism. Nor were these expectations dis- 
appointed — but by his death which took 
place about three years afterwards. He 
was from Maine, where it is believed that he 
once preached in connection with the Bap- 
tists. 

Mr. W. Underwood had preached among 
the Free Will Baptists, some twelve or four- 
teen years; but being brought to test the 
proofs of his creed by the standard of scrip- 
ture, he felt constrained to abandon his for- 
mer views and embrace Universalism. He 



116 HISTORICAL SKETCHES* 



was a grave, mild and timid man. forever 
fearful of advancing a step too far, or before 
the time. He retained many of the pecu- 
liarities of the Baptists — -especially that phra- 
seology and manner for which they were 
formerly distinguished, and not a few of 
their prejudices. For many years, he would 
recognize nothing but baptism by immersion, 
as the proper initiatory rite of admission to 
the church — and he could scarcely prevail 
on himself to admit that any person was 
truly converted, who had not like himself, 
felt all the horrors of reprobation. And he 
was so apprehensive of unnecessarily woun- 
ding the feelings, or of exciting the hostility 
of opposers, that w T hile he desired with all 
his heart to advance the interests of Univer- 
salism, he w T as by many considered rather as 
the apologist, than the decided advocate of 
that doctrine. 

This timidity materially affected the suc- 
cess of the ministry, and the usefulness of 
Mr, Underwood. By many of the more 
hardy members of the societies, he w T as re- 
garded and treated as too condescending and 
temporising; while opposers often took ad- 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



117 



vantage of his concessions, to misrepresent, 
abuse and scandalize him. So that though 
honored and esteemed generally by his min- 
istering brethren, he was never appreciated, 
nor popular with the denomination. His 
sermons always evinced a strong and sincere 
desire to promote the moral and religious in- 
terests of his hearers; and while he was far 
from being an enthusiast, he was anxious to 
witness the growth of a devotional spirit 
among his brethren. He knew the worth, 
and felt the power of the gospel; and it was 
his ardent prayer, and the constant aim of his 
life, to make men religious rather than dog- 
matical. He died in the full faith of the res- 
titution — closing an honored life in submis- 
sion and peace. And although his labors 
w T ere neither the most arduous, nor abun- 
dant, they were worthy of the respect and 
gratitude of the denomination. 

Another convert from the Baptists, Mr. I. 
Whitnal, received a Letter of Fellowship at 
this session of the Association. He was a 
singular compound of good sense and oddity, 
capriciousness and candor, levity and devo- 
tion; but with all his humor and eccentricity, 



118 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



he was an upright man and a sincere chris- 
tian. And those whose tastes were not too 
greatly shocked by his first appearance, soon 
learned on acquaintance, to appreciate and 
esteem him. He was not a very uniform 
preacher, — that is, his sermons were not al- 
ways equally good; but they were delivered 
with much earnestness and power, and com- 
monly evinced much thought, with very 
little regard to arrangement. They were in 
one respect pre-eminent — they were never 
cold and monotonous; and were so replete 
w r ith point and antithesis as to attract and 
fix the attention of the hearer. And when 
he appeared, as he sometimes did, dressed in 
a complete suit of white — to those who knew 
him and knew his solid worth, he seemed as 
dignified as some others of much greater 
pretensions, in white lawn. 

Mr. Whitnal was a terror toopposers; for 
he literally questioned them out of their po- 
sitions, and out of their senses. And while 
he excited violent outbreaks of indignation 
in others — he was himself, most provokingly 
pleasant and undisturbed. The following is 
a case in point — Having accompanied a friend 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES* 



119 



to tea, whose wife was bitterly opposed to 
the doctrine of the restitution — -he was as- 
sailed in a manner that would probably have 
spoiled the social comfort of almost any 
other man for a season. The lady made 
many rude and impertinent remarks, to which 
he rejoined in his accustomed caustic and 
cavalier manner — wounding her pride, and 
provoking her by the severity of his rebukes. 
At length losing all patience, she seized a 
large knife with one hand, and his collar 
with the other, and brandished the weapon 
about his throat and face. With perfect 
self-command, he looked at the enraged 
woman and said with great pleasantry — - 
"Strike, ma'am, I am probably as ready to 
die now, as I shall ever be." This com- 
pletely disarmed her — she perceived the 
rashness and violence of her conduct, and 
afterwards treated him with courtesy and 
respect. 

Although Mr. Whitnal sometimes indulged 
his propensity to joke, both out of season and 
out of place — and thereby impaired his influ- 
ence as a clergyman; yet he commonly 
chose his time well, and let fly his shafts 



120 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



with great effect. And if in the course of a 
sermon, any thing occurred that could fur- 
nish capital, he was morally certain to turn 
it to account by some pungent remark. As 
one among a thousand instances, the follow- 
ing is a sample. He was preaching some- 
where in the country — when a lady after 
fidgeting and exhibiting signs of great con- 
tempt and disgust, rose and pompously walked 
to the door. While this was doing, he stop- 
ped, fixed his keen look upon the retiring fa- 
natic and said — "See, when the gospel fan 
goes, how the chaff flies." 

But he did not always joke. He was re- 
ally much in earnest; and occasionally apos- 
trophised with most impressive effect. For 
whether grave or gay, he threw his whole 
soul into his expression; and overwhelmed 
his auditors with laughter, or with the deep- 
est feelings of awe and veneration. Preach- 
ing once in a large hall, which was unfin- 
ished and open to the roof; an opposer left 
the meeting, and in a few moments a heavy 
stone was thrown upon the roof directly 
over his head. He stopped, lifted his hands, 
and said in a supplicating tone — "Father, 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES, 



121 



forgive them; for they know not what they 
do." The effect was instantaneous — and the 
congregation burst into tears. 

HOW TO FORM AN ACQUAINTANCE. 

The session of the Association was held 
this year in Homer, Cortland Co., and the 
journey of about seventy miles, was made 
on horseback by our company, which con- 
sisted of several preachers and lay-delegates* 
On the day preceeding the session — a genu- 
ine Spring day — damp, dreary, with a per- 
severingly steady and chilling wind, we trav- 
elled some forty miles over a detestable road. 
It would give but little idea of our situation 
on reaching our destination— to say, that we 
were wet and fatigued — we were cold, ex- 
hausted and covered with mud. But a shel- 
ter, a warm supper and a warmer welcome 
■ — together with the constant succession of 
new arrivals of friends, made ample amends 
for any inconvenience already suffered. 

Among the new arrivals was Mr. Whitnal, 
already named; and who had been but re- 
cently converted from the Baptists. His ap- 
pearance was as singular as his mental pe- 
ll 



122 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



culiarities were extraordinary; and he was 
in all proper senses of the phrase, an "ever- 
lasting talker." Too young and too little 
known to win his attention, I had leisure and 
opportunity to observe his movements and 
unfailing tact. He literally flew from one 
person to another, like a bee from flower to 
flower — and apparently for the sole purpose 
of talking and rendering himself conspicuous. 
Nothing however was farther from his inten- 
sions; for no man living was less vain or pre- 
tending; and he talked perpetually for the 
simple reason, that he could not keep his 
tongue still. 

The fatigue and discomfort of the day, 
sent several of us early to rest — but not to 
sleep. For the large lodging room, where 
some eight or ten persons were to spend the 
night, was directly over that in which our 
friends were still engaged in conversation; 
and the clear sharp voice of our new preacher 
seemed to penetrate the walls and flooring as 
if they were gauze — and came pealing in 
with unceasing din. Add to this, the bursts 
of laughter which his profoundly comic style 
and manner provoked; and it will be per- 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



123 



ceived that sleeping was entirely out of the 
question, At length the conversation ceased, 
the door of our chamber opened, and Mr. 
Whitnal entered. My bed was near the 
door, and turning to me and holding the light 
above his own head and looking steadily in 
my face for a few seconds — he commenced. 

"Yes — this is Br. S. — ; well I have got 
acquainted with all the rest of the preachers; 
and now you must come to it. 77 

"Excuse me to night — it is getting late 
— I am fatigued; and besides, it may take 
sometime to form an acquaintance. 77 

u O no; it will take but a few minutes — it 
must be done you know, and may as well be 
done now as any time. 77 

There w T as some reason in this; and while 
I was meditating whether to answer, or to 
laugh at our position, he took advantage of 
the pause, and proceeded. 

"When travelling, I make it a rule to tell 
those where I stop, who I am, where I am. 
going, and my business — this you know saves 
time and trouble. So in coming here to day, 
I had occasion to call at a farm house for a 
drink of water; and while the good woman 



124 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



was getting it for me. I told her that my 
name was W. — that I was a Universalist 
preacher, and was going to a Universalist As- 
sociation/' 

Lady. — "A Universalist — pray what will 
you do with the case of Esau]" 

Whitnal. — "Why — what of Esau mad- 
am?" 

L. — "0, he sold his birthright, you know." 

W. — "Yes; but what was his birthright]" 

L. — "Why, his soul to be sure." 

W. — "His soul! Well. do . you suppose 
that Jacob had Esau's soul] You must re- 
member that he fairly bought it." 

L. — Hesitating — "Yes, that seems proba- 
ble." 

W. — "And what, do you think, became of 
Jacob]" 

L. — "O, he went to heaven no doubt." 

W. — "Well — do you think he took Esau's 
soul along with him]" 

L. — Hesitating again — "Yes, that seems 
probable." 

W. — "Now what do think became of 
Esau]" 

L. — "Of Esau] — Why no doubt he went 
to hell." 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES, 



125 



W.— "But that is rather odd ma'am, that 
Jacob should go to heaven with two souls, 
and poor Esau to hell without any" 

He gained his object — we were emphati- 
cally acquainted from that time forward 
while he lived* 

Peace to his ashes, and honor to his mem- 
ory. He was truly "one of nature's noble- 
men." generous, self sacrificing and sincere. 
In the midst of opposition and reproach, he 
witnessed a good profession, and with all his 
eccentricities, he won friends and honored 
the truth. He died, as he had lived— believ- 
ing and cheerful, resigned and happy in the 
hope of Universal grace and salvation. 

Three other preachers received Letters of 
Fellowship, at this Association, viz. Mr. S. 
Cook, D. Gilson, and U. H. Jacobs. The 
two latter were men of doubtful worth; and 
after making much trouble, and subjecting 
themselves to censure and suspension, they 
ceased in a few years to be known to the de- 
nomination. Mr. Cook still remains, to ad- 
vocate the truth to which he has consecrated 
his heart and his life. He sustains an irre- 
proachable character; but from some pecu- 
11* 



126 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES 



liarity of views respecting social habits and 
religious rites, he seldom associates with the 
preachers, or attends the meetings of the As- 
sociation. 

The session of the Association this year, 
furnished higher evidences of the advance- 
ment of the cause of truth, than had ever 
been exhibited at any previous time. There 
were more preachers present, a greater num- 
ber received Fellowship,- — there was a better 
general attendance; and the reports from the 
surrounding region were more encouraging. 
No new Societies had been formed — but 
permanent congregations had been raised 
in places hitherto unvisited, or inaccessible. 
And above all things, it was becoming' evi- 
dent that stronger and deeper impressions 
had been made upon the public mind- So 
that something like charity towards each 
other, was beginning to bud upon the various 
branches of the prevailing orthodoxy. Most 
of the societies represented, had visibly at- 
tained more strength, and it was very obvi- 
ous that the preachers were both better 
received, and better sustained. It was not 
expected that believers in the restitution 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES* 



127 



would yet be owned and acknowleged as 
"part and parcel 5 ' of the great family of 
christians— but it was becoming very evident, 
that their influence was drawing the bonds of 
brotherhood more closely and kindly among 
the conflicting sects- Various movements 
intimated in no very ambigouus manner, that 
the leaders of different parties, began to 
think it high time to make common cause 
against the new doctrine. These movements 
were less the result of the direct progress of 
Universalism, than of a growing spirit of 
inquiry abroad in the land. 

From these early and comparatively un- 
important movements, vast results have al- 
ready followed; and others are still in prog- 
ress, whose influences are not to be esti- 
mated. And though it may be deemed ar* 
rogant — yet we must confess our belief, that 
Universalism has exerted a very large share 
of influence in producing the modifications 
of doctrinal religion, so visible in our coun- 
try. The dogmas which they have rejected 
as unreasonable and unscriptural, have in 
some instances been modified; in others, 
abandoned—and in defiance of the fanaticism 



128 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES* 



of individuals and sects, there is abundant 
evidence that both mind and morals have 
much more to do than formerly, with the 
concerns of religion. The consequence even 
now is, that with occasional exceptions, some 
of the most repulsive doctrines are not be- 
lieved, or what is the same in effect—are not 
avowed. A similar progress will in a- few 
years, expunge every gross inconsistency 
from the creeds; and by rendering christians 
consistent, promote the spirit of the gospel 
of universal grace. 

Of the nature of the change which was 
in progress, respecting the preachers of Uni- 
versalism, some idea may be formed from a 
circumstance which occurred at this session 
of the Association. It will also furnish one, 
among many illustrations, of the unenviable 
position in which these first heralds of illim- 
itable grace, were placed, in central New 
York. A young preacher was congratulat- 
ing Mr. Stacy, on the presence of so many 
ministers, and of a numerous and respectable 
congregation — and especially on the better 
prospects which seemed now first opening to 
the denomination. Overwhelmed by his 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



129 



emotions Mr. Stacy burst into tears: and as 
soon as he could command his feelings, he 
stated that within a very few years, he had 
in passing through that village, been thronged 
by a gang of boys who threw small missiles, 
swung their hats, and hurrahed the Univer- 
salist preacher along the street! 

It must be evident, that in a place which 
perhaps in many things, justly claimed dis- 
tinction for moral propriety and religious de- 
corum, these juvenile offenders against com- 
mon civility, were not the originators of 
such outrages. The real instigators were 
unquestionably quietly looking on, and enjoy- 
ing a species of diabolical gratification in 
the success of their enterprise. Nor is it 
unreasonable to suppose, that they were 
among the "heads of the people," and prob- 
ably distinguished for their zeal in the cause 
of religion! For it is difficult to believe, 
that any but bigots and fanatics could plan — 
or as much as witness an insult to such a man 
as Mr. Stacy. It is scarcely possible that he 
should be well known even by an opposer, 
and not be respected. And all that knew 
any thing of his general reputation and per- 



130 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



sonal character, also knew him to be above 
reproach. But here, he was a comparative 
stranger — he w 7 as known rather as the 
preacher of a hated doctrine, than as a man; 
and the spleen of bigotry could condescend 
to vent itself through the instrumentality of 
children. Thus countenancing an act — 
which as in many other cases, the instigators 
w r ould blush to perpetrate. But what had 
others to expect, w 7 hen such men were the 
objects of public abuse! 

Happily the exhibition of such feelings 
and probably much of the disposition to in- 
dulge in them, were then (1815) passing 
away. And the two neat Universalist 
churches in the two villages, which were 
then comprised in the same township, are 
standing assurances that the opposers of the 
doctrine statedly disseminated there, have 
far other employment for their zeal and tal- 
ents, than that of inspiring a mob of boys 
with a disposition to insult a Universalist 
clergyman. 

THE MEETING HOUSE. 

Universalism had now been preached in 
central New York, more than ten years, and 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



131 



yet, there was not a single meeting house 
exclusively owned and occupied by the 
members of that faith. Several preachers 
of acknowledged reputation, had labored 
most faithfully during that whole period — a 
number of societies respectable for numbers 
and resources had risen, which knew and 
felt all the inconvenience resulting from the 
w r ant of a suitable house in which to assem- 
ble, but no effectual effort was made to erect 
one, in any instance. There w 7 ere a few 
churches in which Universalists were origi- 
nal proprietors; and where they held the ac- 
knowledged right to occupy their proportion 
of time. But beyond this, they could exer- 
cise no control. 

The reason why this important matter 
was so long delayed — why no churches were 
erected, was not because societies were des- 
titute of means, or insensible to their wants 
— but because societies whose number and 
resources were equal to the undertaking co- 
vered so wide an extent of territory. The 
members of the congregation were in a ma- 
jority of instances, drawn from several adja- 
cent towns; and the extreme points from 



132 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



which individuals and families came to the 
same meeting, were often some fifteen or 
twenty miles distant from each other. It 
was no easy matter, to fix on a location 
which would accommodate all who were in- 
terested. For although the then present 
convenience of the society might require the 
occupancy of a given place; it was foreseen 
that to determine upon its adoption, might 
be greatly to the disadvantage of some future 
similar undertaking. At the same time, it 
was an essential part of the calculation, that 
the means of all should be applied, and in 
such away as should be satisfactory. 

A better idea of the difficulties to be en- 
countered in such cases, will be formed w r hen 
it is understood that the society in Whites- 
town was scattered over a territory within 
which no less than j^ye Universalist churches 
and one union house have already been 
erected. Two of these churches are within 
four miles of each other — the rest are from 
five to eight miles apart! And the time is 
not far distant, when several others will be 
erected in the same district, in places where 
as yet no distinct organization has been ef- 
fected. 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 188 

This society— now known as that in New 
Hartford— took all the forenamed difficulties 
into consideration, and decided to build.— 
And it was agreed, that the number and pe- 
cuniary ability of that portion of its members 
residing in and about the village of New 
Hartford, entitled them to the privileges of 
the location of the contemplated meeting- 
house. The funds were accordingly soon 
raised; and in the summer of 1815, a build- 
ing of wood was completed, fifty by thirty 
feet, with a small gallery for singers- — the 
whole finished in the plainest possible man- 
ner. It will seat about 200 persons— and 
small as it is, it was found to be abundantly 
capacious for the accommodation of the con- 
gregation on all ordinary occasions. This 
was undoubtly the first Universalist church, 
built by the denomination in the State of 
New York. 

It is not possible to convey an adequate 
idea of the complacent satisfaction felt and 
betrayed by the members of the congrega- 
tion, when at last, they sat down to worship 
God in a sanctuary of their own. They con- 
gratulated each other — eyes brightened, and 
12 



134 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



countenances beamed with radient pleasure; 
and strong men that had borne the reproach 
of heresy unmoved, now wept with feelings 
of joy. It was like opening a new fountain 
in the desert— and purer thanksgiving never 
ascended from human hearts before high 
Heaven, than w r as offered on that day, by 
that congregation. It was a time and an 
oecasion to be remembered for reasons, which 
no subsequent occasion of the kind can ever 
furnish to another society of the order, in the 
State. It was a point, onward which con- 
verged a host of great interests to a class of 
christians, the developement of whose power 
and influence, and numbers, w T ere now sub- 
jects of earnest conjecture. For while it 
gave assurance of what might be effected 
with comparative ease in other instances— it 
was the earnest of the multitude of temples 
consecrated to like purposes, w T hich were to 
rise throughout the broad land* The prece- 
dent furnished by the erection of this church, 
other societies soon found it their interest to 
follow — and they did follow it, with still bet- 
ter results. 

It will not be out of place to remark here, 



HISTORICAL ©KETCHES 135 

that in a very important particular, the soci- 
ety from the best motives, greatly erred in 
the location of this church. It is not in hu- 
man nature to go out of a town or village to 
meeting. The current in all instances sets 
the other way; either because that is the 
point to w r hich roads converge — or because 
it is a matter of taste, or habit, or is more 
convenient to the greater number. What- 
ever the reason is — so it is, that people more 
readily go into a village than out of it, to at- 
tend church. And yet for the purpose of 
securing a very beautiful site — and under the 
mistaken impression that it would be a mat- 
ter of indifference to the public, this first 
church of the denomination in the State was 
placed near half a mile from the village. To 
the confirmed believer, to the devout wor- 
shipper, a few rods more or less, in or out 
of town, will be deemed wholly unimportant 
— but these are by no means all, whose inter- 
est, or caprice, or convenience, is to be 
consulted. And it is known that liberal per- 
sons then connected with, and supporting 
opposers of Universalism, admonished the 
society in the kindest manner, but without 



156 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



effect, to take a different position and build 
near the Presbyterian church. This advice 
was disregarded, and two results grew out 
of the neglect — the establishment of an Epis- 
copal society into which most of the liberal 
part of the villagers finally merged — and 
the perpetual but slow decline of the Univer- 
salis! congregation, until the house has been 
almost wholly abandoned. And there it 
stands, like the white marble monuments of 
the dead in the small cemetery attached, 
desolate and alone — an unpolluted witness of 
the impolicy of its location, yet throwing its 
kindly shade over the final resting place of 
many who once worshipped within its walls. 

MINISTERIAL SUPPORT. 

It was stated that at the Association this 
year, there was evidence that the preachers 
were generally better supported. But it is 
necessary to explain this by facts, lest the 
reader should misconstrue the terms and draw 
an unwarrantable and wrong conclusion. — 
The world seldom knows, or appears to care 
much about these matters. And when it is 
said that preachers in a given instance are 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



1ST 



better provided for— the inference is perhaps 
natural, that they are raised above immedi- 
ate and pressing want, if not some degrees 
above the condition of most of their sup- 
porters. Neither of these was then true of 
Universalist preachers—though from causes 
always in operation, some w T ere in better cir- 
cumstances than others, and received a bet- 
ter support. 

A single fact will amply illustrate the envi- 
able abundance, with which the ministers of 
Universalism were then so much favored. — 
Of the ten or fifteen preachers in the State 
—he who from his location, his need, and 
the number and wealth of his congregation, 
unquestionably received as good a support 
as any other, actually realized for his minis- 
terial services, less than two hundred dollars 
in the year. And this includes every item 
from all quarters and of every description. 
On such support, the reader will wonder 
bow our condition could be visibly improved; 
and how, if such was the fact, we had 
previously managed to live at all! None 
lived exclusively on a salary, but eked out a 
subsistence by teaching, or cultivating a 
12* 



138 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



patch of ground, or practising some handi« 
craft, as circumstances permitted. And 
whimsical as it may now seem, some of these 
very men were so fully satisfied of the am- 
plitude of their support, that they were con- 
stantly declaiming against "fat salaries.'' It 
was well for these good and pure hearted 
men— that they had but few wants, or what 
is the same, were happily ignorant of their 
own necessities, which were quite apparent 
to all but themselves! It is however but jus- 
tice to add — that in one or two instances, 
preachers had received $500 per year. 

It will doubtless strike the reader, that the 
members of societies must have been ex- 
ceedingly remiss, if not, criminally faulty, 
in their attention to the wants of their public- 
servants. But this was by no means the fact. 
That in some instances they were poor, in 
others thoughtless, in others negligent, is 
unquestionable; but there was probably not 
an instance in which a competent support 
was withheld from mere penuriousness, or 
unkind motives, No one society could give 
an adequate support to a Clergyman^ and 
none thought of endeavoring to do so. 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



139 



Hence, when a preacher was said to be 
located with a particular congregation, it 
implied only, that he resided there, or min- 
istered there the principal part of his time. 
It followed therefore that nearly or quite 
one half of the preacher's labors, was ap- 
ple d to any place where he could find hear- 
ers; and the contributions to his support from 
these sources, were often meagre in the ex- 
treme from want of system and proper or- 
ganization. 

The fault— if indeed there was any to 
which blame attached, commonly lay in the 
preachers themselves. As before stated, they 
often declaimed in no measured terms, against 
ministerial support. And when subscriptions, 
respectable in amount were made for them, 
they have been known to neglect entirely 
even to ask for their collection. In other 
cases, where arrangements had been made 
and reasonable compensation for time, ex- 
pense and services, put into their hands — 
they would carefully estimate their expenses, 
receive that, and return the balance. And 
this too, by men who needed clothing for 
themselves, or whose families were in want 



140 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



of many of the ordinary comforts of life. 
What could societies do for such men] For 
both by their preaching and example, they 
were perpetually doing all in their power, 
to fix the impression, that it was their solemn 
determination to relinquish every thing in 
the form of salary, and to accept only of a 
bare and stinted subsistence! There may be 
no sufficient reasons why societies should 
make their ministers rich — but certainly, 
there can be none, why the man who devotes 
his talents, his life-labors and his moral in- 
fluence to the religious good of others, should 
not receive a comfortable support at the 
hands of those who command his services. 
And if the world ever furnished a class of 
single hearted and self-sacrificing men, that 
example stands out in the clearest light in 
the conduct of some of the first preachers 
of Universalism in the state of New York. 

And yet however paradoxical it may seem, 
this semi gratuitous ministry had a two-fold 
tendency to injure the prosperity of the very 
cause which it was intended to advance. It 
diminished the actual number of supporters; 
arid what is still more extraordinary, lessened 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



141 



the number of attendants on a given congre- 
gation. The process was this. A man in 
moderate circumstances subscribed— say Jive 
dollars towards the yearly support of his 
minister. This sum, he was both able and 
willing to pay. But from the causes already, 
named he was not called upon to pay it in the 
prescribed time — and it was left to take its 
course. . When the arrangements for another 
year were made, he was again ready to give 
his subscription for Jive dollars more. But 
he soon begins to feel that he now owes his 
minister, ten dollars; and he cannot sit com- 
fortably and hear him preach, under that 
consciousness. He resolves at once to put 
the sum into the hands of the committee of 
the society, or give it to the preacher at the 
first opportunity. But from a score of rea- 
sons which he had not taken into the ac- 
count—it still remains unpaid. He now 
becomes ashamed to go meeting, loses his 
interest in the services in consequence, takes 
no pains to secure the attendance of his fam- 
ily and friends, and finally, satifies himself 
to stay at home. The lookers-on — and there 
are always many such, some of whom had 



142 HISTORICAL SKETCHES* 

become half inclined to make his meeting 
their own, observe his coldness and indiffer- 
ence, and without any just apprehension of 
the cause, take the alarm, presume that some- 
thing is wrong, and turn with vague suspi- 
cions forever away from the congregation. 
Thus, there is little reason to doubt, that the 
character of Universalism has suffered, its 
advancement been retarded, and an improper 
and even false estimate of the resources of 
the denomination resulted, from the neglect 
of some of the early ministers to realise 
what was voluntarily subscribed for their 
support, and what in general they very 
much needed. 

LOCAL MINISTERS. 

The time was now approaching, in which 
the capabilities of the few Universalis! 
preachers, were to be tested under compar- 
atively new relations. Their itinerating hab- 
its were to be succeeded by others — far dif- 
ferent in kind, and involving duties and la- 
bors essentially different in character and in- 
fluence. They were to become parish min- 
isters* Their labors were to be directed to 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



143 



the developement and formation of charac- 
ter, rather than to the mere support of a pe- 
culiar doctrine and the multiplication of pros- 
elytes. Not that it ever was- — or ever can 
be their duty, to dispense with the earnest in- 
culcation of the great principles and proofs 
of their faith. But, they were now to carry 
out these principles and doctrines in all their 
various bearings and influences; and as far 
as possible to bring them to the "business and 
bosoms" of the members of their congrega- 
tions. 

Never were men less prepared for such 
duties and services. They were men of 
sterling integrity — some of them, of great 
intellectual and moral worth, and perhaps a 
majority of them what might be considered 
—-good preachers. But their preaching had 
been almost exclusively directed to the incul- 
cation and proof of the restitution. Their 
premises were firm, their arguments clear 
and convincing, their scripture proof abun- 
dant and conclusive; and they usually clo- 
sed their discourses with very urgent exhort- 
ations to the practice of every "good word 
and work." 



144 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES, 



All this was very well, and under the cir^ 
cumstances was probably all that could be 
done, or expected. But it left the particular 
moral and social bearings of the doctrine of 
the restitution to conjecture, or to be disco- 
vered and applied as accident, or the tastes 
and talents of individuals directed. Indeed, 
it may fairly be questioned, without any re- 
flection upon the ministers themselves— 
whether they possessed any very clear and 
defini te notions on the subject. Excep- 
tions there certainly were — but not enough 
of them to affect the general remark. And 
while favorable moral influences were ex- 
erted 7 it is still true, that in general, the great 
mass of believers and professors were sound 
and intelligent, rather than deep-feeling and 
devotional christians. They were keen dis- 
putants, familiar with all the arguments and 
evidences of their creed — they had an utter 
detestation of the dogma of endless misery, 
and could expose its fallacy in sober earnest, 
or what was by no means uncommon, show 
its absurdity and hold it up to ridicule, in 
terms of the most bitter and biting sarcasm 
and rebuke. But it was by no means cer- 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



145 



tain, they saw in the divine paternity and 
man's brotherhood that gave to their argu- 
ments such orwhelming power — all the rea- 
sons for rational piety and pure hearted vir- 
tue, which such views are calculated to in- 
spire, 

It must be apparent, that men whose whole 
mind had thus been directed to the study and 
propagation of a peculiar doctrine, were little 
prepared for the condition and duties of par* 
ish ministers. They had lived perhaps with 
some particular congregation— they had min* 
istered to it, say one-quarter, or one-half of 
the Sabbaths— but they had been absent from 
it five days out of every week. And as a 
consequence, they were if not strangers — at 
most, little acquainted, and therefore had few 
sympathies with their societies. They were 
mere pulpit servants of the denomination— 
here lay their power — here began and- ended 
both their labors and their influence* They 
had little intercourse with others, besides 
through the pulpit, or what was the same 
both in character and effect, explaing the 
scriptures to friends, or answering objections 
to enemies. But of the domestic trials, the 

1C 



146 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



joys and sorrows of the heart the queries 
and aspirations of the young and tender 
minds, of the members and families of their 
congregations, they had little apprehension. 
And when they came to settle down as the 
servants of one or more societies- — to be 
much at home—to mingle with their hearers 
in the daily scenes of suffering, and sorrow^ 
and joy — they failed to meet expectation. — - 
The habits of study and closet preparation, 
were entirely out of the question. If they 
had ever been readers — the experience of 
years of itinerating toil and exclusion from 
books, had thrown them into entire reliance 
upon the Bible and their mental resources. 
They had by previous and perpetual labor 
and exertion, become disqualified for sedent- 
ary employments; and while they had min- 
gled much with men, it had been under cir- 
cumstances by no means favorable to the el- 
evation of their social qualifications. 

The train of events therefore, which gave 
the character of pastors to oar ministers, 
threw some of them into obscurity. They 
seemed to loose their intellectual energy, and 
the force and power of their ministry de- 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



147 



traxtecL True— these results were aided and 
accelerated by other causes. Great changes 
were coming over the congregations, and 
with these a corresponding difference of 
tastes — -so that probably what was once 
deemed a valuable ministry, had ceased to 
be so regarded. And the condition of the 
preachers had been such as in common phrase 
— to throw them "behind the age." 

These matters were sometimes the subjects 
of serious joking — -as well as of much morti- 
fication and sincere regret. It must have 
been seen, that a very large proportion of 
Universalis ministers, were at the time, com- 
posed of converts from the ministry of op- 
posing sects. One of these, formerly a 
Baptist, was severely reproached by an El- 
der of that denomination for the incompe- 
tency of his new brethren. The reply was 
alike full of point and power. "What," said 
the Universalist, "what could be expected 
from such men, when it is recollected that 
we had few except Baptist preachers to make 
ours out of!" This was true to the letter — > 
and the aspiring Elder was both humbled 
and silenced under the rebuke. 



I4S 



HISTORICAL SKETCHED 



Much as these things were deplored mas- 
much as they could not soon be remedied,, 
those who suffered as much from them as 
any others, endeavored to make the best of 
them; and sometimes enlivened their ac- 
counts of affairs with a comical remark. A 
substantial right forward, hard thinking old 
gentleman, on being asked how his minister 
succeeded and managed, replied— "In the 
desk he is a perfect saint, and of course 
ought never to come out of it into this world 
— but when once out, he is so reckless and 
eccentric, that he seems wholly unfit ever to 
go into it again/' The preacher was a good 
man, and the remark was not designed to 
convey any reflection upon his moral charac- 
ter. It merely s'gnified that his principal 
talent lay in pulpit services; and that his so- 
cial qualifications and mental acquirements 
were not such as fitted him for the new rela- 
tions and duties involved by his profession. 

ACCESSIONS. — 1816. 

The Western Association met this year, 
in the village of Cooperstown; and received 
great encouragement from the location of an 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 149 

experienced and influential minister, and the 
addition of four new societies. Such an 
event would excite no particular attention in 
later periods- — but it should be remembered 
that it then betokened a gain of nearly twen- 
ty -Jive per cent upon our whole number of 
societies, and perhaps as much in the real 
power of the denomination, in a single year. 
The organization and accession of four soci- 
eties — -respectable for the number and resour- 
ces of their members, were matters of con* 
gratuiation and encouragement, while they 
furnished substantial evidence of progress. 
They demonstrated — at least to believers in 
the restitution, that under all the odium and 
discouragements of a new and hated religious 
system, its principles were pushing their way 
forward in the world, reaching the hearts of 
men and inspiring them with the moral abil- 
ity to stand forth in the vindication of eter- 
nal truth. From such sources the hands of 
the weary were strengthened — the hearts of 
the oppressed and desponding revived, and 
they went forward with renewed zeal and 
more confirmed hope of early and certain 
triumph. 

13* 



150 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES, 



The name of Mr. A. KneeJand appear? 
for the first time as a minister in New York, 
on the minutes of this session of the Associ- 
ation. He had settled with the society in 
Whitestowh — devoting a part of the Sab- 
baths to at least one other congregation. He 
brought the experience of a number of years 
to bear upon the new field of bis labor, and 
the general reputation of talents and acquire- 
ments above mediocrity — and certainly much 
above most of those who were now his fel- 
low laborers. Calm, courteous and gentle- 
manly in his deportment and intercourse, re- 
markably plain and intelligible in his discour- 
ses, he won the respect of opposers, and en- 
joyed the highest confidence of his congre- 
gation. And it is deemed but simple justice 
to say. that his location in central Xew 
York, was at the time, a matter of pride and 
of benefit to the denomination. And there 
were very few preachers a then in the connex- 
ion, who could have thrown around them a 
greater number of salutary influences; or 
given a more elevating tone to the character 
of the Universalist ministry. The perma- 
nent establishment of such a man in the 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES* 



151 



country, was generally regarded as among 
the certain means of advancing ,the best in- 
terests of the denomination, and of approxi- 
mating that standard of influence to which it 
now had a right to aspire. Nor were the 
expectations of friends materially disappoin- 
ted- — save in the peculiar form and matter of 
his pulpit labors. There— while every thing 
was said and done, in the most dignified and 
impressive manner — the subjects of discourse 
were too dry and metaphysical to secure con- 
tinued interest and attention, or to awaken 
the affections and improve the feelings of the 
heart. Of the ultimate career of Mr. K, 
nothing need be said in this place, as during 
the two or three years of his residence in 
central New York, his preaching had no ne- 
cessary tendency to infidelity; nor did his 
friends suspect that he wanted entire confi- 
dence in the truth of divine revelation. 

UNPROFITABLE DISCUSSION". 

Christianity is characterized by its perfect 
adaptation to the wants, and weaknesses, and 
sufferings of mankind. It is its greatest 
glory that it does good — and the very good 



iu'i HISTORICAL SKJ2TCHE& 

most needed, and which we were least ca* 
pable of effecting for ourselves. And sub- 
lime as are its truths, elevating as are its 
promises in the abstract — it is in the practi- 
cal influence of these upon the moral feel- 
ings, and character, and hopes, and happi- 
ness of man here, that its objects and sub- 
stantial value are best understood. It is in 
these life-affairs that the infinite superiority 
of the gospel, to any and all. of the systems 
of philosophy, is most apparent. Here is a 
difference, not alone of speculation — but a 
practical difference which every man. the 
weak and the strong, the untaught and the 
learned, can comprehend and feel. He sees 
it going where mere philosophy never went, 
where it never can go. where it was not even 
designed to go — to the home of poverty and 
suffering, and to the heart of the vicious, the 
the wretched, the afflicted: and he sees it 
effecting there, substantial virtue, peace of 
mind, cheerful hope and holy resignation. — 
And he learns from its precepts and its prac- 
tical workings, that no part of it was inten- 
ded for captious and empty speculation. 
With these facts before us — facts of vastly 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



greater moment to man, than the grandest 
metaphysical conceptions ever were, or can 
be — there have never been wanting those 
who exert more mental toil, and exhaust 
more efforts in framing and propagating 
some useless — not to say senseless theory, 
than they have ever expended upon the hum- 
ble and intelligible truths of Christianity. 
For these they have no heart— but they 
must conjecture, speculate, theorise. And for 
what] — Not certainly to render truth more 
obvious, or more attractive and lovely, or 
the human race better and happier. O, no — 
but to convince mankind that there is one 
subject at least, in which they have diverged 
from the common track of thought. It is 
not because any moral consequence what- 
ever attaches to the subject — but the desire 
of communicating and diffusing one's own 
opinions. They may be right — and what 
then] must every crotchet be mooted at every 
turn, merely because it is right in theory] — • 
It is right doubtless, that a man should theo- 
rise about many things, that it would be to 
the last degree preposterous to spend a life 
of labor and vexation, in arguing and defend- 
ing. 



154 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



But unfortunately it happens that such 
speculations are quite as liable to be wrong 
as right. The field of such labors has nei- 
ther bounds nor landmarks; and many have 
wandered there in endless mazes without a 
single tangible fact to guide them, and with- 
out gathering one important truth in proof of 
the value of their discoveries or to reward 
their toil. 

What matters it to a creature destined to 
immortality, whether he now possesses the 
germs of that endless being, which can only 
be fully developed there — or whether he must 
wait to be clothed upon with it when he shall 
come forth in the resurrection? In either 
case, it in no possible way affects his present 
physical condition, or moral character. Nor 
is it conceivable how it can affect his immor- 
tality. It is probably enough that he now 
has a being, and that he will continue to have 
one through eternity — and just such an one, 
as the scriptures distinctly assure us he shall 
enjoy. It may be vastly pleasant to indulge 
in some conjectures respecting the modes of 
such an existence — -in a spirit world; but when 
made the alpha and omega of theology, they 
prove unnecessary ant unprofitable. 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES* 



155 



But whatever degree of importance may 
be justly ascribed to such discussions, these 
were the subjects which occupied the inves- 
tigations and pulpit labors of Mr. Knseland, 
during much of the time of his settlement in 
central New T York. A considerable portion 
of the works of Dr. Priestley had fallen into 
his hands, and among them, those on * 'Matter 
and Spirit." The subject was new to him, 
and like every thing else that w T as so— he 
adopted it at once. The consoquence was, 
he became a materialist, denied the natural 
immortality of man, and maintained the en- 
tire dormancy of the spirit or soul, between 
death and the reserrection. For these, he 
seemed to imbibe a passion; and he labored 
from week to week, from month to month in 
their propagation. He presented them in 
every variety of light and in every form, and 
urged them by every consideration at his 
command. His discourses were remarkable 
for simplicity and clearness; and while their 
subject matter was as new to his hearers as 
to himself, a respectable interest was mani- 
fested. But it was not the bread of life, it 
nourished no high moral feelings, it promoted 



156 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



no practical virtues, it stimulated no lofty as- 
pirations — it did no good. 

On the other hand, the discussion of these 
subjects was productive of palpable injury. 
The fervor of christian feelings, gave place 
to speculation and apathy ; and it would seem 
that some minds viewed Christianity itself, 
rather as a spledid theory to be realized at 
some far distant period, than as a present and 
attainable good. The young lost all patience 
with the speculations of a cold philosophy, 
so uncongenial with the ardor of their feel- 
ings. And the congregations in which these 
topics were principally discussed — and which 
were then among the most able and prospe- 
rous in the State — imbibed the elements of 
declension, still perceptible and still operat- 
ing. After the lapse of almost one entire 
generation, they betray the touch of a met- 
aphysical paralysis. The subsequent infi- 
delity of Mr. K. affected no man's faith, cor- 
rupted no man's morality — it resulted in the 
simple and solitary fact, that one Universalist 
preacher had ceased to be a christian. But 
his speculations on Matter and Spirit, had 
rendered many true hearted believers as tor- 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



157 



pid as so many Egyptian Mummies. Like 
them they remained flesh and bone — and like 
them they became cold! 

If then it be right to argue from facts, the 
conclusion is clear that such discussions will 
ever prove detrimental to the interests of 
Christianity. There were originally "foolish 
questions" discussed among christians — there 
are such questions still among them. The 
great body of disciples, is not composed of 
philosophers: nor do they generally aspire to 
become such. And these questions are to 
them, what the "rue, and anise, and cum- 
in" were to the Jews — an attendance upon 
them induces the neglect of "weightier mat- 
ters." And it will generally be. found, that 
those societies are most prosperous and their 
zeal most active and efficient, which have 
never been occupied with their discussion. 

NEW FIELD OF LABOR. 

Through the kind recommendation and ex- 
ertions of a friend in the vicinity of Buffalo, 
N. Y. — the writer w r as invited to visit that 
region; which he accordingly did, and spent 
the summer of 1816 at the village of Will- 
14 



158 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



iamsville, Erie County. Well received and 
well sustained, little was wanting save expe- 
perience and higher qualifications, to render 
his situation agreeable and give success to 
the enterprise. It is believed that there were 
but two societies — one in LeRoy and another 
in Riga, now Churchville. West of Genesee 
River; and of course only two within some 
seventy miles. The field of labor was con- 
sequently wide, the harvest comparatively 
ripe; and it was evident that with well di- 
rected efforts, much good might be effected. 
For while the principal friends were influen- 
tial and devoted, and a general disposition to 
examine the subject prevailed; there was 
little effective opposition. 

There was indeed no distinct organization, 
and no previous arrangements for the estab- 
lishment of regular meetings; but there was 
a general disposition to give the doctrine- of 
Universal grace a fair hearing, and an un- 
usual degree of frankness in the expression 
of friendly feelings and favorable convictions. 
And it was evident to the least observation, 
that the bonds that bound individuals to a 
creed and a party in the older communities 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 159 

whence the population had emigrated, hang 
loosely on them under their present circum- 
stances. This is always true to a greater or 
less extent, in every place, where men feel 
at liberty to speak and act upon their own 
convictions. They are free — and they feel 
and enjoy their freedom from the petty re- 
straints imposed by the fear of suffering in 
their business or reputation, for the sake of 
conscience. While those fears are felt in 
their utmost force, by the extreme unpopu- 
larity of the principles preferred; many up- 
right minds want the courage to face the 
probable evils, incurred by the manly pro- 
fession of the opinions entertained. In the 
reorganization of society in a new T country, 
these misgivings are thrown to the winds; 
and man becomes w 7 hat God made him to be 
— simply and emphatically an honest man. 

On the 24th of June of this year, (1816,) 
a Masonic celebration in the then village of 
Buffalo, furnished a convient opportunity for 
the introduction of Universal Salvation into 
that place. The appointment was accord- 
ingly made; and at 5 o'clock, P. M. the same 
building and the same seats were occupied for 



160 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES* 



the service, that had been fitted up for the 
festival. It was a new Barn attached to one 
of the Taverns — and though its accommoda- 
tions would now be thought rather humble, 
they were the best which the place afforded, 
and were duly appreciated by the citizens. 
A respectable auditory attended, and gave 
very patient and candid hearing to a dis- 
course from the 6th ver. of 126th Psalm — 
"He that goeth forth and weepeth bearing 
precious seed, shall doubtless come again 
with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with 
him." Twenty-seven years afterwards, the 
same preacher delivered a discourse from 
the same text, to the Universalist congrega- 
tion in Buffalo, which probably comprised a 
greater number of persons, than the entire 
population of the place at his first interview. 
The village was then rising up from its ashes 
— but two years and a half having elapsed 
since it was entirely burned by a detachment 
of troops from Canada — except the lowly 
dwelling of a widow, and the jail and one 
other stone edifice which resisted all attempts 
at conflagration. Such was the place, and 
the circumstances in which the gospel of 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



161 



reconciliation was first preached in one of 
the most important of its locations. 

At this time, except on the great lateral 
roads from Genessee River and along the 
shore of Lake Erie, the settlements were 
comparatively few^— and sometimes "far be- 
tween.*' There every thing but the eternal 
woods and waters, was new\— Almost every 
family still occupied its primitive log cabin — 
the roads were but cart-paths in the intermi- 
nable forest — the streams w T ere in most in- 
stances without bridges, and the soil deep 
enough to render every travelled way almost 
impassable. And yet, it w T as among these 
settlements, that the preacher of Universal- 
ism was to find hearers, and friends, and 
hope to raise up congregations! The means 
of travelling adapted to the place and the 
times existed; and with the social habits and 
religious feelings of the Eastern States, the 
scattered families w T ould, and they did come 
together to worship God. The Methodist 
Circuit Preacher and the Missionary were 
already there. But how different their cir- 
cumstances! They were sustained by estab- 
lishments that kept watch over their progress. 
14* 



162 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



But alone, with few except strangers who 
could sympathize with him, the preacher of 
a world's salvation went forth literally 
"without purse or scrip,' 7 in humble reliance 
upon the providence of God and the power 
of divine truth. 

INTRODUCTION. 

It was in one of the oldest and largest of 
these settlements, that an appointment was 
made for a Lecture in the school house im- 
mediately after the close of a Presbyterian 
meeting. No Universalist preacher had ever 
been there- — few persons knew much, if any 
thing about the doctrine; and some pains 
had doubtless been taken to awaken prejudi- 
ces and excite apprehension against the 
stranger. But the liberality of some and the 
curiosity of others were proof against the 
suggestions of bigotry or ignorance — and al- 
most the entire congregation remained to hear 
and certainly to see, the man or the monster 
that could vindicate such a heresy. As the 
place was approached, long lines of men, 
women and children were met, whom it was 
natural to suppose were returning home. — 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES 163 



But this was not the object. It was evi- 
dently for the single purpose of seeing the 
preacher before he entered the house* For 
with few exceptions they returned and re- 
mained through the service; evidently sur- 
prised, that the usual forms of worship should 
be observed by a Universalist. 

What an object of curiosity! A lean, 
pale, young man—broiling under a burning- 
August noon— half exhausted by the fatigues 
of a morning service and a ride of nearly 
ten miles — an utter stranger to every person 
in the congregation except two or three, and 
by no means assured that he would meet 
with a courteous reception. And yet no 
living thing of earth— probably not a ghost 
from the regions of the dead, could have 
been gazed at with more intensity. But all 
else was civil and kind. Of the feelings en- 
tertained, and the kind and degree of knowl- 
edge, possessed by some persons — and they 
were by no means singular, respecting the 
mode and manner of conducting public 
worship among Universalists — a tolerable 
idea may be formed by the following— 



164 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 

IXCIDEXT. 

A farmer in the settlement, whose zeal and 
indignation against heresy, would not permit 
him to attend, had in his service what is 
called a "hired man," who braved the danger 
of hearing a Universaiist sermon, and the 
wrath of bigotry. On returning home from 
meeting, the following conversation substan- 
tially took place: 

Farmer — "Well John, you stayed to the 
Universaiist meeting, did your' 

John — "Yes, Sir, I thought I would stay 
and hear." 

F. — "Did they have any singing?" 

J. — "Yes, Sir, they used our books." — ■ 
(Watt's.) 

F. — "And did the minister pray?" 

J. — "Yes, Sir, and a glorious prayer it was 
too.*' 

F. — "Well— that beats me, that he should 
have the audacity to pray. What could such 
a man pray for?" 

J. — "I should think for almost every 
thing." 

F. — "Did he take a text from the Bible?" 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



165 



J. — "To be sure — what else should he 
take a text from!" 

F. — "Bat what for a sermon did you have! 
He told you some strange tilings I suppose — 
such as that you might live as you liked,com- 
mit all manner of crimes and go to Heaven 
in your sins." 

J. — "No, Sir — he said no such things, and 
what he did say was as good as any thing 
your minister says. And then he reeled it 
off by w r ord of mouth, without any notes, as 
fast as he could speak.* 7 

F. — "Well, well — w T e won't talk any 
more about it. We're bad enough now 
without Umversalism?" 

J. — "So I think; and so there is little dan- 
ger that Universalism will hurt usl" 

There proved to be so much liberality of 
sentiment in this place, that something like a 
regular train of appointments w r as established 
at intervals of about four weeks. The at- 
tendance w r as uniformly good; and the inter- 
est excited by the new doctrine, well nigh 
overwhelmed the power and the show of op- 
position. The weight of character, and prob- 
ably a majority of numbers, were palpably 



166 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



on the side of liberal principles. It should 
not however be inferred, that there were 
many real Universalists among them. To 
the far greater part, the doctrine of illimitable 
grace, was entirely a new thing. They 
w T ere disposed to think that it w t es worthy of 
some attention; and some were convinced 
that it possessed high claims to their adop- 
tion. And feeling themselves absolved from 
the religious connections in which they had 
been educated, they acted with the peculiar 
frankness and independence so characteristic 
of the inhabitants of a new country. There 
was none of the sly, covert arts practised to 
avoid being known among those favorable to 
a new and unpopular religion, that are so 
common and so despicable in older commu- 
nities. All parties came out in open day 
light — moderate opposers tendered personal 
hospitalities to the preacher; and in some 
few T instances, opened their houses for eve- 
ning Lectures. It is gratifying to place such 
conduct on record, as what should be re- 
membered to the honor of those whose de- 
nominations have seldom sought honor from 
us by a similar liberality. Xor is it less grat- 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES, 



167 



ifying to know, that after many years of un- 
certainty respecting the state of Universal- 
ism in that place — a large and flourishing so- 
ciety has recently arisen, furnished itself 
with a neat and commodious church, and not 
only enjoys the benefits of a stated ministry, 
but a great degree of prosperity. 

GENESEE BRANCH ASSOCIATION. 

This body was organized two years pre- 
vious, as a Branch of the Western Associa- 
tion; and included all'that part of the State 
of New York, lying West of the Cayuga 
Lake. The district of country thus em- 
braced, was in round numbers, some 75 
miles in breadth, and 250 miles in length, and 
probably included at this time six or eight or- 
ganized societies, and as many other congre- 
gations. It held its annual session this year 
(1816) in LeRoy, Genesee County, which 
was probably its first introduction West of 
Genesee River. Without arguing that chil- 
dren are very certainly inclined to think and 
act like their parents — it will suffice to say 
that this Association conducted its business 
upon the precedents established by the eccle- 



168 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



siastical body by which it had been consti- 
tuted. 

In those times, we had no "standing com- 
mittee on Fellowship and Ordination," to 
which application for either could be made 
during the recess of the Association. It was 
customary to appoint a committee, pro tern, 
at each session — whose report was received 
and confirmed almost as a matter of course. 
Now nothing can be more obvious, than that 
such committees, — frequently composed of 
visiting ministers, and of course entire stran- 
gers to the candidates — could but very im- 
perfectly discharge the -duties devolved on 
them. They could know very little of the 
preaching talents of the candidates — and 
still less of their personal and moral w T orth. 
They were liable to constant and gross im- 
position, even when no imposition was in- 
tended. For they were compelled to rely 
on the statements of persons, wholly incom- 
petent to judge of the requisite qualifications 
of a preacher — and unwilling to express their 
real opinions respecting the moral worth of a 
neighbor, who took a fancy to prepagate 
Universalism. 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



169 



A specimen of this mode of precedure was 
given at full length, at this session of the 
Genesee Branch Association. It was ascer- 
tained, that a candidate would apply for a 
"Letter of Fellowship, 77 as a preacher of the 
Reconciliation. But no one seemed to know 
who it was — he had not been present during 
the first day of the session, — and it is be- 
lieved the application was made to the Com- 
mittee, by a third person. What could the 
committee do? They very probably did the 
best they could with their views of the mat- 
ter — and as it was understood that the can- 
didate would be present on the second day, 
it was resolved to associate him in some of 
the public services for the purpose of ascer. 
taining his gifts. 

The time arrived — -and the veritable ap- 
plicant made his appearance. He was some 
thirty years of age, of low stature and embar- 
rassed — without a coat, the sleeves of his lin- 
en partly rolled up, and his hair — such a head 
of hair would have done honor to a second 
Absalom — but now probably from exercise 
or fear, it stood out nearly perpendicular 
to a common centre, the circumference of 
15 



170 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



which no common hat could cover. How 
he contrived to wear a hat — or whether he 
ever did so, was not ascertained. He was 
seated in due form and courtesy, by the side 
of the morning preacher, and made one of the 
prayers. This service he performed to very 
general acceptance — it was fervid, earnest, 
and evidently the very sincere supplication of 
an honest and feeling heart. And on this 
single test of his ability, he received a ( 'Let- 
ter of Fellowship," as a minister of the re- 
conciliation. Such a procedure was not al- 
together without a precedent — for Philip met 
the Eunuch, baptised him, and let him go. 
But there was this difference in the cases, 
the Evangelist acted under divine instruc- 
tions, and the Association on its own fallible 
judgement. To his honor however, the can- 
didate proved to be a good man; though his 
ministry has only been occasional. And 
while there was much of the strange — if not 
ludicrous, in the circumstances of his admis- 
sion into the order, it was honestly intended, 
and is not known to have produced any evil 
results. 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



171 



THE LECTURE. 

It was customary on the meetings of the 
Association, for the preachers to go out sev- 
eral miles for an evening Lecture, to such 
places as the friends designated. In this 
way, several different neighborhoods were 
furnished with the opportunity of hearing 
the gospel, which no other occasion might 
soon furnish. Che of these oppointments 
was made for one of our oldest preachers — 
whose kind spirit and conciliating manner, 
were deemed sufficient to secure a patient 
hearing, and pledges of favorable results. 

The meeting was held in a small and 
miserable school house, lit up with two or at 
most three diminutive tallow candles, the 
flame of which was rendered extremely du- 
bious by the vagrant puffs of air from the 
broken windows; and the concentrated light 
of which was barely sufficient to enable the 
speaker to see the faces of his hearers. 
The seats were nearly filled, and the services 
progressed — the preacher establishing, and 
confirming by brief arguments and numerous 
quotations from the Bible, the great and mo- 



172 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



mcntous truth of Universal Salvation. He 
had proceeded in this way in his usual fa- 
miliar style for some thirty minutes, when 
an event perfectly illustrative of the state of 
public feelings, and of the spirit in which it 
was sometimes met — occurred. The preach- 
er had closed an argument with a proof text 
so clear and decisive, that he announced the 
inference to be the substantial truth of Um- 
versalism. , 

This was too much for one of the hearers. 
Half rising in the obscurity, he broke in upon 
the speaker with — "That's a lie. a he. a lie," 
in a most angry tone, at the same time 
making his way to the door. The preacher, 
not in the least disconcerted, and in his ever 
mild and peculiar manner, called out — "Stop, 
stop — Brother, do'nt be so hasty — stop and 
let us talk the matter over." But the man 
was too angry and too intent on making his 
escape, to heed the request. But he had 
reckoned without his host, and soon found to 
his amazement, that it was no easy matter 
to get beyond the reach of the demand to 
stay and hear. For the preacher seized the 
only candle within his reach — rushed to the 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES 



door laid hold on the retiring and angry man 
by the arm— and literally detained him by 
force. During this movement, the words, 
"stop, stop, Brother" were repeated several 
times. The man finding himself "brought 
up" in the entry, or just outside the door, 
consented to hold a parley— the result of 
which was, that the preacher led him back 
in triumph by the light of his candle: and 
he remained quietly through the services. 

THE LABOR OF ONE DAY. 

It is not intended to represent, that 
preachers of Universalism performed daily, 
such labors as we are about to describe; but 
that most of them did at the time occasion- 
ally perform such, is not to be questioned. 
And that they were at this period, (1816,) 
in the fullest sence, "working men," might 
be shown by the distance which they trav- 
elled, and the number of discourses which 
they delivered. 

At the urgent request of a preacher pre- 
sent at the Genesee Branch Association, who 
resided in the vicinity of Canandaigua, an ap- 
pointment was made for a young preacher 
15* 



174 



HISTORICAL SKETCHED. 



on the following Monday in the town of 
Gorham — distant some 60 miles. The young 
man was to preach on the intervening Sun- 
day, off from the direct route, and the dis- 
tance thence to the place of subsequent 
appointment, was unknown. Travelling on 
horseback, at noon on Monday, the young 
man had reached what is now the City of 
Rochester — then principally covered w r ith 
primeval trees— a few newly erected build- 
ings, more in progress, and innumerable 
stumps either standing or piled in long rows 
in what was to be the principal streets — -and 
forty miles from the place of meeting. 

The appointment was at five in the after- 
noon — and as mile after mile and hour after 
hour were counted off, the physical exhaus- 
tion induced a strange feeling of apathy; and 
to reach the place, to find friends, to lie down 
to rest — and if necessary to die, occupied 
almost entirely the languid thoughts. He 
reached the place within thirty minutes of 
the designated time, having travelled in about 
eight hours nearly sixty miles without re- 
freshment. How grateful was the "cup of 
cold water/' which restored his almost faini- 



HISTORIGAX, SESTCHES. 17$ 



ing sDirit- — and the sight of a few friends 
who sympathised in his sufferings. The 
meeting was in a private house, the little 
congregation was already there; and in a 
few minutes he was discoursing to them con- 
cerning the great salvation, half unconscious 
of his weariness. With what terrible viv- 
idness are the sufferings, the solitude the 
exhaustion of that day of toil impressed upon 
a memory abundantly tenacious of scenes 
and events less worthy of recollection! And 
poor and wretched as he found the author of 
the appointment, destitute of every thing for 
comfort, except a family, and wanting the 
self-respect that belonged to his profession- — - 
so keen were the recollections of the anguish 
of the preceding day, that it was impossible 
to feel the charity and pity for him which his 
condition seemed to demand. It might not 
be very kind or indeed right, to indulge these 
feelings; but it must be a very active and 
persevering benignity, that may not be tax- 
ed beyond endurance. 

How rapid, and how surprising have been 
the changes wrought by a few years in the 
region to which reference has just been made. 



176 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



For fifteen miles to the southwest of Roches* 
ter. there were probably not a dozen fami- 
lies on the main road — and that village, was 
then in the midst of a forest. But the moral 
changes have kept pace with the physical. — 
In the distance of sixty miles there was but 
one Society of Universalists; and very few. 
if any individuals out of its immediate vi- 
cinity, known to believe the restitution. — 
There are now some eight or ten societies 
with nearly as many churches.in that region, 
holding and exerting their share of influ- 
ence over community. For this moral prog- 
ress — this advancement of liberal Christian- 
ity, the denomination is greatly indebted to 
Messrs. Billinghurst and Knapp — the former 
of whom was a strong and faithful advocate 
at home — the latter went from house to 
house, '-preaching the kingdom of God." 

A NEW SOCIETY. 

The congregation in "VViliiamsville, was 
composed of liberal persons, although more 
or less of the individuals were members of 
the churches of opposing sects. The Uni- 
versalist meeting was the only one which 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



177 



was regularly sustained; and of course, those 
who felt it a duty to attend church, as well 
as those who preferred the doctrine, were 
generally hearers. Under these circumstances 
and after a little inquiry respecting the prac- 
ticability of finding a sufficient number to 
sustain the effort — -it was determined to form 
a society. The legal forms and prelimina- 
ries were accordingly observed; and a socie- 
ty duly organized consisting [of about twenty- 
five male members. This occurred proba- 
bly in August, 1816, and constituted the third 
society West of Genesee Riven Notwith- 
standing the gratification felt by friends in 
this event, it was still also felt that it was 
but a solitary points in a vast moral wilder- 
ness—a single green spot, constantly liable 
to be overwhelmed and lost in the mass of 
surrounding and discordant matter. And 
these anticipations proved in the event, to be 
but too well founded. There were but few 
substantial Universalists- — few that had any 
proper appreciation of the nature and influ- 
ence of the great doctrine of a world's sal- 
vation. While those remained in the place, 
the society maintained its identity. But they 



178 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES". 



removed — and with them went the strength^ 
the moral power, and finally the very exis- 
tence of the society. Let it not be inferred 
that there was an abandonment of principle, 
or a renunciation* of truth in this dissolution 
of mere organization. Those who had the 
principal influence, merely carried that influ- 
ence w T ith them, and exerted it successfully 
in other places, and over other communities, 

CHAUTAUQUE 1 817. 

Several pressing invitations had been re- 
ceived from individuals in Chautauque Co. 
for a preaching visit from the young man lo- 
cated at Williamsville. Accordingly, he vis- 
ited and preached in different parts of the 
County, early in January* This was also 
new ground. But there was the general dis- 
position, so visible in other places, to hear 
w T hat was called— ' 'the new doctrine." The 
preacher was cordially received; and the 
congregations both on the Sundays, and 
the week-days, were unusually large. There 
were a few "Eastern people, who had drunk 
at the fountains of truth; and the avidity 
with which they again gathered to its w r a- 



mSl'ORICAL SKETCHES. 



178 



tars, can be better conceived, than described. 
Isolated from tho friends of their early life — ■ 
cut off by distance, from the associations 
and many of the privileges of former years, 
there was to them, a renewing of many 
grateful scenes and seasons, in once more 
meeting to worship God with Universalists. 
These exerted themselves to induce others to 
attend and share their joy. They spread 
the notices of appointment-— they obviated 
objections— and in their zeal, they greatly 
overrated ine talents of the preacher. But 
their object was attained, and apathy, and 
indifference, and prejudice, yielded before 
their enthusiasm- — and people of all creeds 
and no creed, came and listened to the mes- 
sage of Universal Salvation. 

This visit was the preliminary step in the 
establishment of a cireuit, which in its wind- 
ings to and from the vicinity of Buffi" lo, em- 
braced about 250 miles. And from this 
time, during most of the year, this distance 
was very regularly travelled every four 
weeks. The number of discourses usually 
delivered in making the circuit, varied from 
twenty to thirty-two — that is, from five to 



180 HISTORICAL SKETCHES, 

eight per week It was unquestionably an 
act of great courtesy and charity in the re- 
spective auditories, to call these discourses 
by the name of sermons. However this may 
be— he who delivered them, always felt the 
deepest gratitude to those who condescended 
to hear them. Such as they were— they 
were as well adapted to the circumstances, 
as the nature of the case would admit.— 
They were generally doctrinal, in the pecu- 
liar sense of the term; and if not very pro- 
found, were such as the public mind seemed 
to demand. 

It was the wish of friends, and the prevail- 
ing expectation of others, that the distin- 
guishing doctrines of Universalists should be 
stated, proved and defended in every dis- 
course. For it was entirely a new thing to 
the many; and by the few to whom it was 
not, it was but imperfectly understood. It 
was not foreseen however, that a compliance 
with this general desire, would involve the 
performance of yet another and a very dif- 
ferent work— that of exposing the weakness 
and absurdity of the dominant creeds. And 
familiarity with this mode of enforcing truth, 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



181 



by exposing error, led on to other conse- 
quences. We became unmercifully severe 
upon other sects. We?- — Yes, for the prac- 
tice obtained almost universally, among the 
ministers of the denomination. 

LIBERALITY. 

There are few things that give to the 
friends of a system which is generally de- 
spised and reprobated, so much pleasure, as 
to meet with genuine liberality in an oppo- 
nent. It makes us feel our common broth- 
erhood, under the best and kindest influences; 
while we perceive that there are good and 
noble minds which do not spurn us because 
we are not of their sect, or party. An in- 
stance in point, occurred during one of the 
monthly circuits above named, at a public 
house on the shore of Lake Erie. The 
long winter evening was spent in company 
with a sensible, well educated, frank and 
kind hearted Presbyterian clergyman. He 
was already on the "down hill of life," and 
had evidently seen and felt many of the 
changes which come over man. "Ah," said 
he, "your doctrine appears to me to be very 
16 



182 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES, 



erroneous; but it must be admitted, that it is 
an error on the side of charity, and has many 
things to recommend it to the benevolent 
heart. And representing as it does, the De- 
ity, in all his character and perfections, in the 
most amiable light — it seems almost illiberal 
and narrow-minded, not to wish you every 
success." 

In the course of conversation, he was in- 
formed of the arrogance and incivility of one 
of his young brethren, on a public occasion, 
in which he happened to be associated with 
a Universalist. To this, he replied — "Well, 
you pitied him, I hope; that you forgave 
him ought not to be doubted. He certainly 
needed pity; for he must have appeared 
very ridiculous and contemptible in the eyes 
of all sensible and respectable persons, in 
displaying his bigotry when he was publicly 
bound to show a tolerant spirit. But you 
may console yourself with the assurance, 
that one Presbyterian clergymen at least, de- 
spises such conduct; and we will all hope, 
that as he grows older he will grow wiser, 
and that his zeal will be tempered with more 
knowledge and more charity." 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 183 

He enquired if the preacher with whom 
he was conversing, had ever known any- 
thing of Rev. Geo. Richards, and especially 
of the manner of his death— and whether it 
was not common for our opposers of all 
sects, to make unkind remarks respecting 
him. He was told, that it was known that 
Mr. Richards committed suicide in a parox- 
ism of insanity, while confined in the Penn- 
sylvania Hospital. He then said he was a 
class mate of Mr. R. when in college — that 
notwithstanding the change of his views from 
a Congregationalist to a Universalist, they 
had always lived in friendship — that he and 
every man knew that insanity was not a 
crime, but a disease, and consequently that 
no person when insane was accountable for 
his actions. And he concluded by saying 
with much feeling and emphasis — "If there 
is a Saint in Heaven, I believe that George 
Richards is there with him.* 7 This was 
worthy of a Fenelon — why can not such 
sentiments more prevail; and man be es- 
teemed for his moral worth independent of 
his creed"! 



184 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



ALL THINGS TO ALL MEN, 

It may be useful to place here, an incident, 
which contrasts in some particulars with the 
foregoing; as it may serve to show the dif- 
ference between a practical liberality under 
the strong restraints of a creed, and a liberal 
theory that disregards all opinion. A reli- 
gion that was worth the labor, and suffer- 
ings, and death of Christ, is worthy of our 
honest and open profession. So far nearly 
every member of every denomination is 
ready to go in theory. But unhappily for 
the purity and simplicity of Christianity, the- 
ory and practice do not always coincide, and 
are by no means certain to be found in the 
same person. Many a non-comformist in 
theory — perhaps in principle — w T ill be found 
practically of most unimpeachable conform- 
ity to the dominant creed. So that what- 
ever they may be in reality, one thing is cer- 
tain — they are determined never to be hung 
or burned for the rights of conscience. They 
would as soon worship with the Papist as 
Protestant, were the chances of reputation 
or interest involved — they would acknowl- 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 185 



edge that Mahomet was a prophet of God, 
to preserve their character among the faith- 
ful — and they would perform the mummery 
of a pagan ritual and worship at the shrine 
of an Idol, sooner than endanger a single 
hair of their heads. 

Unfortunately these men are of a class 
who lead, or who aspire to lead the public 
mind. They are not content to follow their 
own bearings alone. And though their 
course is decried bv almost all men, still 
thousands from indolence or want of moral 
courage, adopt it as the most convenient, or 
the most secure. The odium of policy is so 
softened by the plausible sound of such terms 
as — philosophical, or liberal christians, that 
many well meaning persons mistake indiffer- 
ence and even skepticism for a more impro- 
ved and more rational Christianity. 

In the Summer of 1816, a clergyman vis- 
ited a Universalist family with whom he had 
been previously acquainted, and who at the 
time were boarding a Universalist preacher. 
The mere forms of introduction served to 
designate the religious professions of each of 
the clergymen, who independent of the dis- 
16* 



186 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



parity of age and attainments, met on equal 
terms. The conversation was free — the vis- 
itor spoke of the progress of liberal opinions 
both in Europe and America — of the sym- 
pathy which ought to exist among the more 
liberal sects, and of the common cause which 
they should make against an overwhelming 
orthodoxy. The coincidence of the leading 
doctrines of several sects, was spoken of, 
and of course among them, the great doc- 
trine of the final reconciliation and happiness 
of all the human race. He admitted his be- 
lief in Universal restitution, and treated the 
dogma of endless misery as only worthy of 
rejection or contempt. 

Question — "Then you do not think that 
the Bible teaches the doctrine of endless 
misery?" 

Answer — "No: some believe that it 
teaches the annihilation of the wicked; but 
I think that the scriptures teach the restora- 
tion of all mankind/' 

Q. — "Then you do not suppose that ;he 
w T ords rendered eternal, everlasting, forever, 
can prove endless duration?" 

A. — "No; and no man with any tolerable 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES* 187 



knowledge of the language in which the 
scriptures were written, can suppose it. He 
must know that the words are .equivocal, and 
that the thing must first be proved to be end- 
less in duration. But it has never been pro- 
ved that misery is necessarily endless. 9 ' 

Q. — "How then do you dispose of this 
matter, when you have occasion to use these 
terms in connexion with punishment] Your 
hearers attach a meaning to them which 
you know to be wrong— do you set them 
right?" 

A.— "That is no concern of mine. I use 
the terms as I find them, and leave others to 
unerstand them as they please." He was a 
Unitarian. 

A MIXED CONGREGATION. 

In the new settlements, and during the 
long winter-evenings, it was customary to 
hold Lectures in private houses. This affor- 
ded an opportunity to many to attend a Uni- 
versalist meeting, who could not otherwise 
do so; and the neighbors usually came in 
from several miles. We say neighbors — be- 
cause, when people are scarce, those within 
the distance of some ten miles, are so con- 



188 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



sidered. This circle narrows as the popula- 
tion increases — and it is scarcely a figure of 
speech, to say that the very feelings and 
sympathies of the heart, contract in the same 
ratio. 

In all new countries blest w r ith a good soil, 
the roads are utterly detestible — often almost 
impassable; so that nature seems to have 
passed an interdict upon all communication, 
except by daylight. It is therefore the sea- 
son of winter, proper, when solid ice has 
been substituted for two feet of mud — and 
when an additional two or three feet of snow 
has been well trodden and pathed, that the 
distant neighbors enter in good earnest upon 
social communion. Then every conceivable 
mode of conveyance at all adapted to the 
season, is put in requisition. Huge sleds 
drawn by oxen, and scarcely less bulky and 
heavy sleighs and cutters drawn by horses, 
are turned to account in the daily and nightly 
transportation of passengers. 

An important appendage of nearly every 
family — is a dog. They are kept for every 
day use, for protection at night, for company 
for the women at home, and for the men 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 189 



and boys when abroad; and constitute a kind 
of family factotum. And whenever the 
household makes a regular turn out, Grow- 
ler has his holliday, and is sure to make one 
of the party. On special occasions, such as 
trainings, town meetings and elections, he is 
often one of the most quiet and peaceable. 

It was at an evening Lecture during the 
sleighing, when a general turn-out filled the 
rather spacious room of a good Methodist 
neighbor — for Methodists opened their houses 
for'Universalist preaching — that the services 
were disturbed by an almost unceasing noise. 
The speaker gave as little attention to it as 
possible, and made no remark respecting it; 
but endeavored to mind his own business — 
which will generally be found best under any 
circumstances— and as all appeared atten- 
tive, matters were suffered to take their 
course. In due time the services ended; and 
as the moon would rise directly, the congre- 
gation sat, sung and chatted during the in- 
terval. This gave the speaker an opportu- 
nity to ascertain the cause of the annoyance 
which had occurred: there were nine dogs, and 
fourteen young children in the congregation! 



190 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



NOT FELLOWSHIPPED. 

An evening Lecture of several weeks 
standing, was held in a vicinity where a few 
active friends exerted themselves to secure 
the attendance of a good congregation. The 
meeting was held in a school house — one of 
the most commodious in the whole region. — 
A Methodist clergyman of considerable no- 
toriety, taught school in the building; and 
knowing that many of his patrons with their 
families would be present — he also attended. 
He very courteously took a seat with the 
speaker, to whom he was already known; 
and at the close of the discourse was asked 
to make the concluding prayer. He ex- 
pressed his entire willingness to do so — but 
desired first to make one remark to the con- 
gregation. This request was of course 
granted to him, and in substance, he went on 
to say — "That as a clergyman, he trusted 
that it would ever be his pleasure, as it was 
his duty, to pray, at all suitable times and in 
all places — that having been invited to close 
the present services with prayer, he felt at 
perfect liberty to comply with that request 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES, 



191 



—but wished the congregation to understand 
that he did so merely as a minister, and not 
as expressing any fellowship for the preacher 
or his opinions.'' 

He then kneeled; and poured out before 
the altar of God, one of the most fervent 
supplications ever offered in human language. 
It was a service in which he greatly excelled; 
and wholly forgetful of what he had just 
previously said, the full spirit of Universal- 
ism was expressed in every petition. He 
besought the Deity to be gracious to his er- 
ring creatures; to remit the transgressions 
of the whole race of man, of all times and 
all conditions; to send forth and render effi- 
cacious the principles and Dower of the gos- 
pel; to bless all that were entrusted with 
the message of truth and salvation, of what- 
ever sect or name; to hasten the time when 
all darkness should be succeeded by light, 
all error by truth, all sin by holiness, all suf- 
fering by enjoyment — when Christ should 
complete the work of Grace, and "God be 
'all in all." 

Nothing could be more appropriate than 
this prayer — nothing, more in accordance 



19% HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



with the spirit and doctrine of the sermon. 
And as the consreffation rose to receive the 
benediction, the speaker observed — "My 
Methodist brother informed you that he 
should pray, simply as a minister, and not in 
fellowship with me, or my opinions. But I 
have preached Universalism to you, and he 
has devoutly prayed for it — and I submit it 
to you whether it was in fellowship or not." 

So striking was the coincidence, and the 
idle disclaimer so ludicrous, that the congre- 
gation found great difficulty in suppressing a 
laugh. It need scarcely be added that the 
good Methodist preacher betrayed the feel- 
ing of deep mortification. 

WHERE TO FIND UNBELIEVERS. 

The reader has been told, that in the new 
settlements it was found convenient to make 
appointments for Lectures in all the different 
neighborhoods, that all might have an oppor- 
tunity of hearing. One of these Lectures 
was to be held at a private house, several 
miles from the usual place of meeting, and" 
where the preacher was a stranger. The 
snow was some two feet deep, and the cold 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES 



193 



—such a cold as comes but once in a quarter 
of a century. It seemed to clear and deepen 
the bright vault above, which when gazed up 
into from among the tall and gigantic trees 
that stood close to the pathway, inspired one 
with unwonted awe, and awakened new 
ideas of the magnificence of the Universe. — - 
A fine pearl-like frost dropped now and then 
in some supremely beautiful form, as if to 
show the strange splendors of an invisible 
world; and display to mortal eyes the minute- 
ness, and perfection, and variety of the 
works of Omnipotence. 

At length reaching a small settlement, and 
judging from the time spent in travelling that 
this must be the place — and especially ad- 
monished by the cold, that it was certainly 
safe to find a fire, a halt was made at the 
first house. The door was opened and a 
chair offered before a fire that would have 
done great honor to an old English manor 
house on a Christmas night — and two middle 
aged ladies, busy at their work, made kind 
inquiries whether their new guest had 
frozen fingers or toes, nose or ears. It was 
apparent from a discreet whisper that he 

17 



194 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



was recognized; a child was sent — some- 
where — and a man abcut sixty years of age 
immediately entered. He offered his hand 
guessed that the stranger was the Universal- 
is! preacher, congratnlated himself on having 
a few minutes conversation with him, and 
disclaimed all ability or inclination to hold 
controversy with a clergyman. 

This apology was duly appreciated, for it 
was quite apparent, that whatever else he 
might mean — he intended to maintain his 
side of the controversy by a string of ques- 
tions. Accordingly, passage after passage 
was introduced accompanied with a signifi- 
cant — "what can you do with that!" At 
length, having exhausted his vocabulary, or 
from some other cause, he seemed about to 
conclude the conversation by consoling him- 
self with the reflection — "that if Universal- 
ism was true, it would certainly find him aud 
finally save him." 

Universalist — "Yes — but will you ex- 
cuse me for telling where it will find you?" 

Host — "I don't understand you — it will 
find me I suppose, where it does every body 
else." 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



195 



U. — Not exactly. But as I am a young 
man, I fear you will be offended if I tell you 
where you w T ill be found." 

H. — "0, not at all. And I am anxious to 
know what you mean." 

U. — "Well, Sir, our interview has been 
quite pleasant — I have received both your 
hospitality and courtesy, and I should be 
sorry to give offence at parting." 

H. — "Never fear. I promise not to take 
offence." 

U. — "Very well — whenever Universalism 
finds you, it will find you in Hell!" 

H. — "In Hell? How can that be?" 

U. — "Readily enough. In that case Uni- 
versalism will be true — you will be an unbe- 
liever — every unbeliever is in a state of con- 
demnation — and that according to yourViews 
constitutes hell. Of course, that is the place 
where you will be found." 

Under other circumstances this might have 
been impertinent. But during the conversa- 
tion he had repeatedly tried to be witty at 
the expense of charity, as well as Univer- 
salism. His guest therefore felt at liberty 
to say what in his own view, was believed to 



196 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



be the truth — though it was a construction 
of the word hell, of which the old gentleman 
was probably unaware. He tried to keep 
his promise — hesitated — held out his hand 
— responded very dryly, "good bye,? 3 and 
shut the door. 

WESTERN ASSOCIATIOX. 

The session of the Western Association 
for this year. (1817.) was held in the village 
of Nine Mile Greek, Onondaga Co.. where 
a society had been previously formed. A 
large proportion of the ministers in the State 
were present; and the reports of delegates, 
and societies not represented, gave encour- 
aging assurance that the cause of truth was 
progressing. Four or jive new societies were 
received into fellowship at this session; and 
one very able and experienced minister had 
established himself in the vicinity. The 
Rev. I. Root, already named, formerly and 
for many years, an Elder among the Baptists 
— a sound thinking, plain and hard working 
man, removed from Maine and settled in 
Mottville, a small village in Skeneatles, in 
the county of Onondaga. His talents, his 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



197 



worth, his reputation and consequent influ- 
ence, rendered him a valuable acquisition. — - 
He was already known, not only from a pre- 
vious visit, but from the estimation in which 
he was held by the Universalists of New 
England, with whom he had ministered seve- 
ral years. 

The second church owned by the denomi- 
nation in the State, was now in progress of 
erection in the city of Hudson — where a 
strong and energetic society had been re- 
cently formed. The almost instantaneous 
development of liberal principles, has seldom 
been exhibited in a more surprising manner, 
than in the establishment of this society. — 
Only a year previous, but one or two individ- 
uals in the city were known to be Universal- 
ists. By their interest and influence, a lec- 
ture was held by a visiting clergyman in a 
private house; which was attended by some 
twenty persons. A second Lecture was held 
on a subsequent evening, in the same place; 
the notice of which, was only circulated 
among acquaintances. The congregation 
was now too large for the place; and a meet- 
ing in the Court House was notified. A large 

17* 



198 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



and respectable auditory assembled; and af- 
ter a few subsequent meetings measures were 
taken for the support of preaching— a minis- 
ter employed, a society formed, and in little 
more than a year permanently' established in 
a good church of their own. 

New societies and congregations yvere 
thus springing up in every direction, and 
though often separated from each other by 
many miles, it was natural to infer that other 
places in the intervening distances would in 
due time receive the message of eternal 
truth. And in many instances these expec- 
tation have been realized, and thousands, and 
tens of thousands yvho then "sat in darkness 
■ — bound in affliction and iron,*' now belive 
yvith joy in the salvation of God. 

• There were now between twenty and 
thirty organized societies in the State, and 
about half as many preachers. The denom- 
ination in New England, had made one, or 
more attempts to sustain a periodical devoted 
to its interests, and had failed. Nothing of 
the kind had yet been tried in New York. — ■ 
The only existing means of making an im- 
pression on the public mind, and of advano 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES* 



190 



ing the cause of truth was therefore limited 
to the exertions of less than twenty minis- 
ters, aided by their respective congregations. 
But by far the greater number of societies 
were feeble — -the preachers had not the leis- 
ure, nor always the ability, to prepare such 
articles for publication as the situation of af- 
fairs demanded; and it was hazardous for 
poor men to publish on their own responsi- 
bility, what after all, might pfove detrimen- 
tal to their interests. 

And yet, this was the identical situation 
from which, every member of the denomina- 
tion drew encouragement. There were 
many reasons why they should do so— for 
hopeless as it may now seem, it was much 
better than it had been at any former period. 
And the writer of the Circular Letter, w T hich 
accompanied the Minutes of Association for 
that year, poured forth the feelings of his 
heart, and expressed his anticipations, in the 
following terms addressed to the preachers: 

"New churches and societies have been 
formed, and accessions to former establish- 
lishments have been numerous. God is giv- 
ing you many souls as stars in your 



200 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



crowns of rejoicing, and as seals to your 
ministry. Let this service be. then, as the 
first ripe fruits, consecrated to God; and re- 
double your diligence, that the latter harvest 
may be abundantly plenteous. You are now 
surrounded by many helpers in the Lord. * 
* Now is the time for you to work — for 
the Lord is working. The minds of the peo- 
ple are seriously affected, and an universal 
concern to know the truth prevails. Be as- 
sured that the time is drawing near, when 
Christ shall appear for the final overthrow 
of the empire of the adversary, and the 
complete deliverance of the church." 

A REVIVAL. 

This year (1817) was productive of one 
event of singular importance to the charac- 
ter of Universalism. It was the commence- 
ment in one of the older societies, of what is 
denominated a revival of religion; and which 
in its progress extended far and wide over 
the denomination. It made its appearance 
at a time, when the fervor of similar excite- 
ments begins to decline; and it acquired new 
subjects and rolled on with increasing power 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



201 



from year to year. This extraordinary 
movement commenced sometime in the 
spring, in the Universalist soeiety in Hamil- 
ton, Madison County — spread gradually over 
the congregation — went abroad and won con- 
verts on the right hand and on the left — pro- 
duced astonishment and then consternation 
among opposing sects, at its progress; and 
augmented the attendance on the meetings 
for public worship beyond all precedent. — ■ 
The voice of fervent supplication, the song 
of praise went up from the dwellings and 
from the fields — from the hill-side and from 
the valley; and whenever men met, what- 
ever else they did, they talked of the fulness 
and freeness of the "grace of God that 
bringeth salvation." And the traveller as 
he passed along the highway, heard the sing- 
ing of hymns, and saw groups gathered for 
prayer and thanksgiving." 

One of the first results of this movement 
w T as to silence the cavils of opposers respect- 
ing the religious feelings and susceptibilities 
of Universalists. It had been said from the 
first rise of Universalism in the country — 
said with great confidence and effect — that 



202 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



there could be no religion, no true spiritual 
godliness among professors who were never 
warmed into newness of life by the power 
of a revival. And this was belived — cer- 
tainly by the great body of professors of 
all sects, and by thousands mo r e who took 
things as they found them in the religious 
world. Indeed, many Universalists, w T ho 
were still influenced by their former habits 
of thought- — though fully convinced of the 
truth of the doctrine of the restitution, 
wondered, and sometimes regretted that God 
did not favor his tru f h with this special seal 
cf his approbation. 

The influence of this excitement upon the 
minds of opposers, and those too, who had 
the very best opportunities of judging of its 
identity with all others in its characteristics, 
will appear from a single illustration. The 
Presbyterian and Universalist societies re- 
spectively held their meetings for public wor- 
ship at Hamilton Centre, on opposite sides of 
the same public square or common. The 
former occupied a church- — the latter, a 
school house, though constituting by far the 
larger congregation. It was the communion 



\ 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES* 



203 



of the Universalis! Society; and as usual on 
those occasions, the house was not merely 
filled, but many accommodated themselves as 
they best could, about the door and around 
the building. The Eucharist had been ad- 
ministered, and the hymn given out with 
which the services would close, when a gen- 
eral movement at the door drew the attention 
of the congregation. As soon as room could 
be made, the Presbyterian minister, the Elders 
and a majority of the members of that church 
entered. All were visibly and greatly exci- 
ted, and it was apparent that some unusual 
purpose was in progress of developement. — - 
But what could that pu^ose be? Why had 
that whole church, unasked, unlooked for, 
entered the Universalist meeting at such a 
time and under such extraordinary circum- 
stances? 

The Presbyterian minister saluted the Uni- 
versalist with great cordiality, and asked 
leave to explain the cause of this remarka- 
ble visit. And with deep emotion he went 
on to say, in substance— That he and his 
friends had long observed with much interest, 
the progress of the revival among them; 



204 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES, 



and had become fully convinced that it was 
a work of the Lord — -That the prejudice 
which they had formerly cherished against 
Universalists and Universalism had been 
overcome; and that under the influence of 
these impressions and convictions, he had 
that day, laid the subject before his assem- 
bled church; and they had resolved to give 
this highest proof of their cordial fellowship, 
by proposing to join in the exercises of pray- 
er and praise. And such a shout as went up 
from that congregation on this announce- 
ment, emphatically proclaimed the accord- 
ance of all hearts — "Glory to God in the 
highest, and on earth Peace, good will to- 
wards men." 

And there was peace that day, between 
the members of conflicting creeds. They 
sung and prayed together; and mutually ex- 
horted one another to "love and good works." 
Old enmities were overcome by new friend- 
ships — prejudice melted away before the sun- 
light of charity, and mutual sympathy and 
mutual zeal inspired their devotions at the 
altar of 13 common Father and God. 

Alas how short-lived, are many good and 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 205 

1 

j wise resolutions. These kind-hearted and 
I charitable Presbyterians thought not of the 
I storm of indignation, which they were call- 
j'j ing down upon their own heads, by this one 
— this first, and almost last act of fellowship 
j for Universalists. The story went abroad— 
j its verity was scrupulously ascertained; and 
the Presbyterian authorities took early meas- 
ures to cool the ardor of those charities 
which could recognize Universalists as fel- 
low-christians. The church and the minis- 
ter were drily and early admonished to stand 
aloof from the matter, and by no means to 
continue the intercourse which they had vol- 
untarily commenced. And both the minister 
and the church, found it convenient to com- 
ply. They separated themselves from the 
meetings — began to wonder how they could 
so far forget themselves and their duty, as to 
do, or even think of doing, what they had 
done. And the poor minister who had been 
foremost in this charitable work, what could 
he do? Why,he became suddenly convinced, 
that he had been entirely wrong; and as the 
best apology of which the case admitted, and 
to fix the blame in the right quarter — he con- 
18 



206 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



fessed that in committing this outrage upon the 
spirit of Fresbyterianism, he was now convin- 
ced that it must have been by the instigation of 
the Devil! However this may have been, 
there is little reason to fear that the Devil 
will ever tempt that denomination to perform 
another similar act of christian liberality! 

The Universalists lost nothing by this 
wretched manoeuvering on the part of their 
opposers. For it w r as too apparent to escape 
public observation, that when the Presbyte- 
rian church presented itself in the Univer- 
salist meeting, it adopted the measure in 
good faith. And on the other hand, that 
when it disavowed the act — that disavowal 
was co-erced, and dictated by a heartless and 
despicable policy. The work however went 
on — none the less vigorously and effectually 
for their defection and opposition. Their 
friendship and co-opperation was but the 
work of a single day. All that could yield 
any advantage to either party from the ex- 
traordinary step then taken, was in favor of 
the Universalists — all that followed was 
against the interests of the Presbyterian 
church. 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES.. 207 



During the progress of the revival, about 
one hundred members were added to the 
church in Hamilton — some sixty or seventy 
of whom, received Baptism by immersion. 
What particular circumstances operated to 
the general prevalence of this rite, is not 
known; but whatever it was, it threw its 
influence far abroad, and many individuals in 
different and distant churches, and one or 
more clergymen adopted it as a matter of 
conscience. 

The duration of this revival, is probably 
without a parallel in the country. It conti- 
nued with ltttle abatement for some four 
years. Its first appearance was wholly in- 
dependent of any concerted effort, and there- 
fore entirely unexpected. Nothing could be 
more foreign to the general characteristics 
of the denomination than excitement. Nor 
did it ever assume those offensive and revol- 
ting peculiarities, for which more modern 
revivals are so remarkable. The devotional 
exercises in which its subjects engaged, were 
always conducted with the utmost decorum; 
and the language of exhortation and prayer, 
by whomsoever spoken, was free from the 



208 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



outrageous bombast and blasphemous imper- 
tenance and arrogance, with which profes- 
sional revivalists abuse men and insult the 
majesty of Heaven. 

Fear — whose influence is so efficacious, 
and which mingles so fully in modern reli- 
gious excitements generally, had no part in 
this revival. On the contrary, the great 
moving power was the perceptible and inex- 
haustible goodness of the Deity. This was 
seen with new eyes, in all its bearings upon 
the nature, and condition, and destiny of man. 
And its legitimate effects were visible in 
more ardent expressions of gratitude, in pu- 
rer devotions and higher aspirations. It is 
not improbable, that in many instances the 
passions were over-excited, and that individ- 
uals felt and uttered fervors, which the 
general condition of man does not permit 
him to sustain; and which like fires no longer 
controlled, soonest exhaust the materials on 
which they feed and by which they are 
alone supported, 

And to some extent, this was plainly the 
case in the present instance. The excite- 
ment ceased to spread — the fervid became 
cool — the zealous indifferent — religious meet- 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 209 



ings less interesting, less frequent — -and all 
the wheels of the general movement stood 
still. A re-action followed. Thus it ever 
wae — and thus it ever will be with every 
thing that depends upon the passions and 
sympathies of mankind. The pendulum is 
not more true to its centre of gravity, than 
human nature to its level, and when ever 
diverted from that level, and by whatever 
means, sooner or later, it will return. 

It should be remarked however, that those 
who had been the subjects of this movement, 
had never been frantic. The comparative 
coldness and indifference which succeeded, 
was not therefore the torpor of death; but 
was proportionate to the consistency and pro- 
priety which they had all along preserved. 
And consequently while individuals lost their 
zeal, societies lost very few of their mem- 
bers. The great doctrines of the gospel of 
illimitable grace, had been kept constantly in 
sight — and under all the flights of heated 
passions and excited feelings, the mind had 
been employed, and continued to hold its 
grasp upon everlasting truth. 

After the lapse of some twenty five years, 
18* 



210 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES* 



it is still a question of no easy solution— 
whether the true and vital interests of the 
gospel were essentially promoted by this 
great awakening! That they were generally 
supposed at the time, to be greatly advanced 
by this display of unusual zeal, cannot be 
questioned. But it is more than doubtful, 
whether Universalism had at the end of 
seven years from the first symptoms of re- 
vival, advanced one step beyond what it 
would have done, had that event never hap- 
pened. One thing is certain — the very so- 
cieties where its influence was greatest — 
where its most desirable results were most 
triumphantly displayed — have made little or 
no progress since. Their congregations are 
no larger — -the number of their communi- 
cants is no greater — and they are by no 
means more zealous or prosperous, than ma- 
ny others which never felt an impulse of the 
excitement by which they were once moved. 

It must not be forgotten, that this revival 
came without any preconcerted effort. It 
did indeed find many subjects prepared to go 
forward in the general movement; and who 
doubtlecs acted more or less, upon the feel- 
ings common to similar excitements however 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES 211 

they may have originated. And so far as 
they outran the ordinary career of the emo- 
tions—re-action followed. For every degree 
of extraordinary excitement then cherished, 
a corresponding degree of apathy was ulti- 
mately experienced. It is fair to conclude 
then, that as in a succession of years, no 
visible benefits have resulted from this re- 
vival—it must be very doubtful policy to 
attempt to move the community to great 
excitement in matters of religion. 

FEAR OF MORAL EFFECTS. 

The session of the Genesee Branch Asso- 
ciation, was held this year (1817) in the vill- 
age of Buffalo, and was very well attended; 
although no more than four or Jive societies 
were represented — that number being the 
sum total of our organized force within a 
hundred miles. But several of our best 
preachers were present and preached; and 
the friends were both gratified and encour- 
aged. 

On the breaking up of Association, invit- 
ations were extended by several gentlemen 
to the clergyman who would still remain 
in the country, to visit and preach in their 



212 



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respective neighborhoods. In several of 
these places, Universalism had never been 
preached; and those who requested the ap- 
pointments were not very perfectly acquain- 
ted with the doctrine. The prevailing the- 
ology still lingered in their minds — or rather, 
its influences were predominant; and though 
liberal themselves, they were not always cer- 
tain that it would be either prudent or safe 
for the great public to believe or profess their 
cherished sentiments. They did not by any 
means, consider their own virtue and piety 
at all endangered — but \they were persons of 
established habits, and might constitute ex- 
ceptions to the supposed general rule under 
possible circumstances. Many, it was main- 
tained, would not give the subject that atten- 
tion which they had done, and children and 
youth might throw off' all restraint under the 
hope of final salvation. 

The following conversation will exhibit the 
feelings and apprehensions entertained by 
one of these persons — and it may be assumed 
without much qualification, that they were 
the same in a majority of the liberal minded 
men throughout that section of the State. — 



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213 



And it is marvellous, that with such obstruc- 
tions in the minds of even the friends of the 
doctrine of the reconciliation, its progress 
should have been so rapid and its triumphs so 
complete. 

Gentleman— "I have believed your doc- 
trine for twenty years; but have seldom said 
any thing about it And I have not heard a 
sermon from one of your preachers these 
dozen years until your Association — no one 
came along who preached Universalism." 

Preacher — "There are few in the coun- 
try who have believed the doctrine so long. 
But I can hardly conceive how any one can 
believe in so glorious a system for twenty 
years, and say nothing x about it — why, it 
is almost enough to make the dumb talk." 

G. — "It is really a great and glorious 
truth; and when I hear it preached, it gives 
me great consolation. But I have a family 
around me, and do not wish to bias their 
minds — -besides, I am apprehensive of the 
consequences." 

P. — "One would suppose that so good a 
truth, was none too good for children. But 
perhaps I do not understand you?" 



214 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



G. — "The plain truth is — I am afraid of 
the effects of Universalism on the minds of 
children. They need restraint; mankind 
generally need it; and I do not know but 
the terrors of endless misery may be of 
use in governing them. If none but per- 
sons whose principles are established, whose 
habits are formed, believed it, I should have 
no fears. It will not be likely to injure 
either of us, or others of our a^e, who have 
good principles." 

P. — "Then you think that Universalism 
is, on the whole, a dangerous doctrine." 

G.— "Yes — that's my opiniou." 

P. — "But you believe it to be true — that 
it is the doctrine of the Bible — that God 
revealed to mankind— and that Christ and 
the Apostles 'preached it for their salvation." 

G.— "Certaintly, I have no doubt of all 
that; and I rejoice in it." 

P. — "This is very strange, Sir, that you 
should believe Universalism to be true, and 
yet think that such a truth would do mis- 
chief. Do you suppose that God knew 
whether Universalism would do good or 
evil, before he revealed it to mankind!" 



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215 



G.— "O yes — He must know what was 
best." 

P. — "Just so, I think. And as the world 
was bad enough before the gospel was re- 
vealed, I cannot believe that the truth 
tends to make it worse. We have great 
reason on the contrary, to suppose, that it 
was intended to make the world better." 

G. — -"That is plainly the objec* — but we 
do not always see it accomplished." 

P.— "Very true. But that is not the 
fault of the gospel. Those who are not 
made better by it, are certainly no worse 
for it; so that it cannot be said that it has 
corrupted them." 

G. — "That's a new idea — I have not 
thought of that— but it is true." 

P. — "Well— whether new or old, the his- 
tory of mankind shows that it is true. You 
admit that it does not make us any worse* — 
have you really any evidence that it makes 
others worse?" 

G. — '"I cannot say that I have. But I have 
my fears for the young, the thoughtless and 
wicked." 

P. — "But you have not seen the influence 



216 



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of Universalism tried upon such persons; and I 
regard sll such fears as groundless until they 
are sustained by tangible facts. Besides, 
you have admitted that God revealed, and 
that Christ and the Apostles preached Uni- 
versalism. Can you seriously believe, that 
they did all this, and at the same time did not 
know, or were entirely mistaken about the 
results?" 

G. — "O, that is impossible. God is good, 
and Christ was good; and what one revealed 
and the other preached must be good — mid 
good for those who believe it." 

P. — "Well — what is good for us in this 
case, must be good for your children. De- 
pend upon it — it will do your ch Idren and all 
others just as much good to "love God and 
keep his commandments," as it will us. This, 
Universalism teaches, and therefore cannot 
hurt them." 

G. — "How strange it is, that I should 
never have thought of all this before! I must 
have derived my fears from the prejudices 
of others. And it will be agreat relief to feel 
that the truth will do no injury to morals." 

P. — "And quite as great relief probably, 



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| to learn that morality never requires the aid 
! of falsehood" 

THE DISTILLERY. 

This is an offensive word, and brings with 
j it by association, a view of all the miseries 
and degradation of which intoxication, has 
been directly or indirectly the procuring 
| cause. But time was, when very few if 
any, even of the wise, and good, and philan- 
thropic, took this view of the subject. Long 
i since the period here referred to — no man 
suffered in reputation because he was a dis- 
tiller; nor did one probably of all the number, 
entertain any adequate ideas of the injury 
which he was inflicting upon public morals 
and public happiness. It was regarded as a 
legitimate and profitable business; and it ac- 
cordingly found many adventurers. Few 
however attempted its justification, when 
once aroused to a sense of the evils it brought 
down upon community; and when naked in- 
terest became the only plea for its continu- 
ance. But interest has been put to shame, 
by the evidence that in a country like our 
own, every man may, if he will — -employ his 

" 19 



218 



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capital, his industry, and his talents, in some 
other manner more honorable and equally 
profitable to himself; and more useful— or at 
least, less hurtful, to his species. At all 
events, human nature has been elevated 
and human happiness greatly advanced, by 
the establishment and progress of the cause 
of temperance. It has already wrought a 
reformation, second only in moral results, to 
^ the beneficient influences of Christianity. — 
And the evidence of its many, and various, 
and beneficial effects, have become so mani- 
fest, and taken such strong hold upon the 
public mind, that it requires some degree of 
hardihood either to make, or vend intoxicat- 
ing liquors. 

An appointment had been made for a Uni- 
versalist meeting in the neighborhood of the 
vState line of Pennsylvania — -and was proba- 
bly the first meeting of the kind ever at- 
tempted in the immediate vicinity. No ar- 
rangements were made respecting the par- 
ticular building to be occupied for the ser- 
vice. But in the interval, the best and most 
commodious room in the place, was secured, 
viz: the Hall, or Ball Room, of a public 



! 



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219 



i house; and notice was accordingly sent far 

: and wide among the inhabitants. 

The appointed day came, and with it came 

i the preacher; but the room could not be so 

I occupied. That terrible and often fatal vis- 

! itant— the Typhus Fever, was already there; 

1 and one or more of its victims was languish- 
ing ender its withering power, in that very 

| Hall. What then could be done? There 
was not another public room in the place, 
that w 7 ould accommodate the congregation. 
For the notice had been general, and the 
novelty of such a meeting, if nothing else, 
rendered it morally certain that there would 
be a foil attendance. The day was waning 
— the notice could not be recalled — the gen- 
tleman who had invited the appointment was 
exceedingly anxious that all should hear — 
but where could the congregation meet? — 
Sometimes a neighbor was called in for 
counsel but none could give any advice. — - 
Nothing could be more perplexing. It was 

j within an hour or two of the time, when 
the gentleman who had assumed all the re- 
sponsibility in the whole transaction, very 
quietly and gravely sat down, and opened his 

| mind — thus; 



220 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



Gentleman — "A thought has just struck 
me, that there is one place at hand, which 
will answer our purpose. But then — we 
must have your consent to go there."' 

Preacher — "My consent? I am not aware 
that it is for me to say where my friends 
shall hold their meetings. 7 ' 

G. — "That may be true in ordinary cases; 
but this is a little extraordinary. You are 
a stranger, and in courtesy — we wish your 
opinion about the matter. For the truth is 
— the only room that will hold us, is the store 
room in my distillery!" 

P. — "If that is the only place which will 
answer the purpose — and as the congregation 
know the reason why it is occupied, I see no 
very serious objections to going there. I 
presume it is not running now?'''' 

G. — "Yes, it is, and that is not the worst 
of it — matters are in such a state that we 
can not stop it. That is the reason why we 
particularly wanted your opinion." 

P.— "That alters the case materially. — 
How shall we get along with the noise? and 
shall we not be liable to continued interrup- 
tions? I suppose nothing need be said of 



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221 



preaching and making whiskey at the same 
time and in the same placef 

G — "O. we can manage that well enough. 
The store room is overhead, and the door 
into it opens right from the street. The work 
will all be below; and I will take care that 
we have no noise or disturbance. We never 
have any company and drinking there." 

P.— "But will our opposers go there? Per- 
haps they may think it very well for Univer- 
salists— quite in character; but will they 
think it safe for themselves? 7 

G.— "Go? Yes— w T e have half a dozen 
sects here; and every one will go as freely 
as if it was a church," 

I\ — "Very well then— I will preach any 
where, if people will go to hear. So the 
question is settled, as far as I am concerned." 

Seats were hastily arranged, the room lit 
up, the congregation assembled; and a most 
orderly and quiet religious meeting was held 
in — a distillery. 

INDIVIDUAL INFLUENCE. 

Few persons are aware of the influence 
which they either do, or may exert, over the 

19* 



222 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES, 



community around them. The power and 
extent of that influence, will be determined 
by the position and means of the individual; 
and especially by his capacity or tact, in 
using them. An influence for good, or for 
evil, every one does, and must exert. To 
act upon others — and to be acted upon by 
them, are among the necessities of human 
existence; and no man ever lived, that did not 
bear the stamp of his associations, and who 
did not also impress more or less of his own 
character and principles upon his fellow men. 

For the good and upright man, this truth 
possesses a peculiar value. He perceives in 
the superior might of virtue a "land of prom- 
ise" on which he can fix his eyes, and see it 
peopled in due time with the sons of God. — 
This better influence, was nobly illustrated 
by an individual in a small village in Western 
New York. He was emphatically a Uni- 
versalis!;; and his talents, his exertions, as 
w 7 ell as professions, were openly and hon- 
estly directed to the advancemet of the 
principles of his faith. And these efforts, 
and their results show, how much may be 
effected by one man, when his enterprise is 
sanctioned by integrity. 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES 



223 



On the single invitation of this individual, 
a Universalist preacher made a journey of 
two hundred miles, for the purpose of bearing 
the message of eternal truth to the believers 
and "strangers scattered abroad;"' and to 
aid by the humble means at his command, in 
the establishment of the gospel where as yet, 
no societies of the order existed. On that 
one individual therefore, devolved the entire 
responsibility of the enterprise. And it was 
sustained in a manner worthy of its concep- 
tion, and its design. He acted up to his re- 
sponsibility — he secured a prior right to the 
occupancy of a convenient place of worship 
— and he succeeded in inducing all parties, 
and nearly all persons in the vicinity, to at- 
tend the meetings. Opposers came because 
they honored the sincerity, and respected the 
integrity of the man — and those who cared 
little for religion, and less for its peculiar 
form as Universalism. also came, chiefly for 
his gratification. 

This influence extended over a large part 
of the three counties, as the three western- 
ones in the State were then technically 
called; and the preacher often experienced 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



the kindest reception and most hospitable 
treatment m consequence. Houses were 
opened, and congregations assembled, and 
many persons condescended to be hearers, 
because it was known that the preacher was 
countenanced, and patronized, and recom- 
mended, by a certain individual. There 
never could be any reasonable doubt, that 
this wide-spread influence was the true se- 
cret of innumerable civilities bestowed on the 
herald of Universalism; and that the atten- 
tions and hospitalities bestowed on him — 
w r ere in many instances, but substantial and 
manly compliments to another man. It is 
forever impossible to estimate the difference 
in the condition of the preacher under these 
circumstances, from what it must have been, 
had he been left — as he sometimes was, to 
make his way unaided and alone. Nor could 
that influence be less valuable, in diffusing 
over the public mind, the knowledge and the 
power of the doctrine of Universal Salva- 
tion. 

It is from such instances of personal influ- 
ence, that we discover the grounds on w r hich 
a few individuals would have preserved 



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225 



"The cities of the Plain." from destruction. 
It is not their mere personal worth — but its 
power; which diffuses over kindred man its 
own benificent spirit, and inspires him with 
the same godlike principles! Let every Uni- 
versalis! so live, and persevere in endeavors 
to advance the cause of divine truth; and 
many hearts that now feel the anguish and 
the terrors of a gloomy and revolting the- 
ology, will be made to rejoice "with joy un- 
speakable and full of glory." 

REBUKE. 

Few things have so obvious and certain 
tendency to rectify the mistakes of bigotry, 
as direct and stern rebuke. Bigots and fa- 
natics are not in a situation to hear, or under- 
stand arguments; and scripture evidence will 
have no weight with them, because they sup- 
pose it balanced or neutralized by passages 
used to sustain their own favorite theory. — - 
To adopt their own method of contradicting 
— to make assertion only, without proof, nei- 
ther convinces nor conciliates; but on the 
contrary, while it irritates and provokes — 
confirms them in the belief that you neither 



226 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



have arguments, nor proofs, in support of 
your opinions. Their self-confidence grows 
with every instance of condescension which 
you make to their prejudices, beyond the 
mere admission of their perfect sincerity; 
and slight concessions to their judgment 
where they may happen to be correct, will 
most certainly be construed into an abandon- 
ment of your principles. So again, if you 
chance to agree in some unimportant partic- 
ular, with any disreputable and obnoxious 
class — you will be instantly identified with it; 
and the trumpet blown for the grave purpose 
of announcing what no one believes. You 
cannot treat their illiberality or ignorance 
with silent contempt; for it will be mistaken 
for proof that you have nothing to say. Nor 
can you "ieturn railing for railing" — or so 
much as express, much less fee], the indigna- 
tion and venom which they seldom fail to be- 
tray, and take no pains to conceal, — What 
remains then, but to "re buke them sharply.' 7 
A Universalis! clergyman was invited by 
a friend to accompany him in a call at the 
house of a widow lady — who had recently 
read several works on the restitution, and had 



historical' sketche s . 



227 



expressed a desire to converse respecting the 
meaning of a few passages of scriptures.— 
The call was accordingly made — one or two 
gentlemen boarders and a small boy, consti- 
tuted the only visible company; and the con- 
versation was at once directed to the subject 
of religion. The passages which had per- 
plexed the mind of the good lady, were intro- 
duced and carefully considered; and it was 
apparent, that though she could not, and did 
not, profess to be a Universalist, still, she 
took a deep interest in the religious views of 
that class of christians. She made many in- 
quiries respecting the progress of the doc- 
trine of the reconciliation, and the consequent 
encouragement of its friends; and expressed 
much satisfaction, that a more beneficent 
system of religion was throwing its influen- 
ces over society. 

At this moment, a lady who had been re- 
clining on a closely curtained bed in a corner 
of the room, and who till that instant had 
not been observed — rose and looking fiercely 
at the preacher, said — "Sir, if I believed as 
you do, I ivould kill myself and child before 
morning" This was a common bravadoism; 



228 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



and supposed by fanatics of "more zeal than 
knowledge/' to be quite sufficient to confound 
any Universalis! Nothing could be more 
unexpected, than the sudden appearance of 
this lady; and nothing more expressive of 
determination, than her language. There 
she stood, erect and firm as a statue — her 
sharp and dark eyes fixed in a look of utter 
defiance, full upon the face of the preacher. 
He was really taken by surprise; but re- 
turned the determined look of the assailant, 
and calmly asked in true Yankee style — ■ 
"Pray, Ma'am, what would you do that for?' 

She had evidently matured the subject in 
her own mind, and arranged her language 
accordingly, before making her appearance; 
and her answer was prompt and decided, as 
well as significant of conscious triumph.— 
"What would I do it for? — To get to Heaven 
as soon as possible!" It would be difficult to 
describe the look of malicious satisfaction, 
with which she now for the first time turned 
her eyes upon the other guests; and then 
again fixed them upon the preacher. He 
again returned her look of defiance; and in 
a firm tone, said very distinctly and emphat- 



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229 



Ically— "Well, Ma'am, one thing is certain, 
you will never get to Heaven until you man- 
ifest a better temper." 

This was so obviously true, that the com- 
pany burst into a laugh. And the abashed 
lady, who was the widowed daughter of 
the hostess, dropped as suddenly back to her 
hiding place, as she had issued from it. She 
uttered not another word, nor was she again 
visible while the guests remained. 

It was naturally a matter of some little 
speculation between the preacher and his 
friend — what the effect of this rebuff would 
be upon the mind of the sensitive and excited 
female. This was determined a few days af- 
terwards, by a Lecture held in the village 
by the same preacher. Among the first who 
entered, and who seemed to take pleasure in 
the display of an independent and liberal 
spirit, was this identical woman. She lis- 
tened with marked attention — came forward 
and congratulated the speaker — and was ev- 
idently cured of her bigotry by an acciden- 
tal rebuke. 



20 



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THE TEXT. 

Among the many ways in which the ene- 
mies of Universahsm, vented their spleen in 
abortive attempts to display their wit— few 
were more common or popular than that of 
giving a text to the preacher at the moment 
he was about to commence the service. The 
time, the manner and the circumstances, 
whatever might be the pretence — always 
proved to the satisfaction of every mind, 
that the motive was not to elicit truth, or to 
gain information; but to test the ability of 
the speaker, or disgrace him by a practical 
joke. But prejudice is far more blind than 
justice, and consequently seldom fails of go- 
ing wide of its mark. For it seems rarely, 
if ever to occur to our opponents, that the 
texts which they regard as the pillars of their 
own system and therefore sufficient to si- 
lence at once and forever any Universalist — 
are the very passages of scripture, with 
which of all others, the members of that de- 
nomination are most familiar. Their situa- 
tion compels them to understand all the pas. 
sages of that class.— And they have given 



u 



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231 



abundant proof, that they have examined 
them and satisfied themselves of their im- 
port; and that they are able to answer any 
inquiries respecting them, and to meet every 
objection founded upon them. And yet, 
these are the identical texts, which opposers 
present over and over again for instant con- 
struction — gravely supposing it would seem, 
that Universalists are as ignorant as them- 
selves concerning their meaning. 

Innnumerable instances of this imperti- 
nence occurred during the earlier times of 
Universalism; and much surprise has often 
been felt and exhibited, that so far from 
giving any special embarrassment to the 
preacher, he should be able in this apparently 
extempore manner, to give a most clear, con- 
sistent and comprehensive exposition of the 
passage. And it is beyoad svil question, that 
the facility with which these constructions 
have beeu given, and the lucid manner in 
which the great doctrine of the restitution 
has been sustained and vindicated from some 
of these very texts — has had great influ- 
ence in softening the prejudices, and remov- 
ing objections from the minds of opposers.— 



232 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



The preachers never shrunk from the de- 
mands thus made upon them, though well 
aware of the indignity implied and intended. 
They were in fact, compelled to pass this 
ordeal? Public opinion required it of them; 
and to decline it, would have been to incur 
the imputation of a dread of results, or the 
tacit acknowledgement of an incapacity to 
defend their opinions. Besides— these impu- 
dent and querulous opponents, usually con- 
stituted but a very small part of the congre- 
gations which w r ould listen to the exposition 
of a given passage; and the preacher by 
availing himself of his right to explain the 
circumstances under which the text was 
given — invariably enlisted the sympathies of 
his hearers in his favor. An amusing instance 
of this whole proceedure, occurred in 1817, 
at a Lecture in the village of Manlius. 

The hour of service had come, and the cler- 
gyman with a few persons were waiting for 
the arrival of others— when a stout and 
clumsy boy some fifteen years of age, en- 
tered, walked deliberately up to the prea- 
cher, and presented him with a slip of dirty 
paper. Not a word was spoken; but the 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES* 



messenger waited as if expecting a reply.— 
The contents of the paper were first looked 
over, and then read aloud to all that had as- 
sembled—thus: 

"Sir, yon will oblige a number of curious 
minds in this village, by preaching this eve- 
ning from Ezek. 13: 19. Please inform the 
bearer whether you will and oblige a— 
Friend." 

Preacher — "Who wrote this note?" 

Boy— "Mr. P- , Sir." 

Pk. — -"And who is Mr. P.- , does any 

one know him?" 

Gent. — "Mr. P is the Methodist class 

leader, and is a respectable citizen." 

Several voices.— "What is the text?" 

Pr.— "I do not recollect; but will look." 

Turning to the passage he read aloud — - 
"And will ye pollute me among my people 
for handfuls of barley and for pieces of bread, 
to slay the souls that should not die, and to 
save the souls alive that should not live, by 
your lying to my people that hear your lies." 

Several voices— "That's an insult— I 
would not gratify him — I would take no no- 
tice of it." 

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Ph.— "Never mind— I am not responsible 
for the motive; that is his concern." 

Then addressing the boy — -"Tell Mr. 

P that I cannot allow him to judge by 

hearsay; but that if he will attend, I will 
preaeh from his text. Will that answer doV' 

Boy — "Yes Sir. He will come." 

Stranger — "He will come and bring the 
class w T ith him."' 

The preacher now applied himself to the 
construction of a discourse on the text. He 
could not but be reminded of the text given 
to Stephen Burrows — for it was plain enough, 
that it had nothing to do with the contro- 
versy between Universalists and Limitarians. 
In a few minutes the veritable class leader 
with a number of his church made their ap- 
pearance. The text was given out; and 
shown to constitute a rebuke of certain false 
prophets, who denied that the judgments de- 
nounced by the true prophet of God would 
fall upon his people. This was applied to 
the prevailing orthodoxy which maintains 
that though sinners and deserving of punish- 
ment, believers will escape its infliction. And 
it was argued that the inculcation of such 



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235 



views, was 'Hying' 1 to God's people— For the 
scriptures distinctly taught that the Deity 
would "by no means clear the guilty/' and 
that "he will render to every man according 
to his works." This, was turning the tables 
in a way altogether unlooked for- — the utmost 
severity of the text was enforced without 
qualification, and charged home upon the 
Methodists as particularly obnoxious to its 
bearings. The congregation knew that the 
Class Leader deserved all the severity, that 
could be urged with any show of propriety; 
and the poor man submitted without a mur- 
mur and with becoming humility. But he 
never afterwards, gave a text to a Univer- 
salist preacher. 

AN INVESTMENT. 

This year (1817) was one of unparallelled 
scarcity in all the western counties of New- 
York, as well as other parts of the Union. 
The first consequence was — an exorbitant 
price on every thing for the support of man 
or beast. It was during this season, that a 
series of week evening Lectures following 
each other at regular intervals, were kept 



236 



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up in a certain village for several months in 
succession. There were few substantial rea- 
sons for this, beyond the professed desire of 
several worthy friends; and it accorded w 7 ith 
other arrangements of the preacher. Bat 
on the contrary, there was not the shadow 
of probability, that the expenses which he 
would incur, and which he could ill afford, 
would be re-embursed by his friends. In 
full view of these embarrassing considera- 
tions, the appointments were determined on, 
and persisted in under every discouragement 
At the conclusion, the preacher realised what 
he had anticipated — and left without receiv- 
ing an amount that w r ould have paid his fare 
for a single might, at the public house where 
his meetings w T ere held. 

Let it not be supposed, that this statement 
is intended as any reflection upon the few 
friends who attended the Lectures. They 
had promised nothing — they were not in a 
situation to do much, whatever might be 
their disposition. For in the present scar- 
city, villagers — and especially those in mod- 
erate circumstances, had other immediate 
and highly important uses for their money. 



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237 



Years rolled away — and the inconvenience 
resulting from a long train of entirely un- 
productive appointments, had almost ceased 
to be remembered. A society of devout 
worshippers of the God of the Patriarchs, 
had arisen in the place; and though few of 
its members were in any maimer connected 
or concerned, with the early propagation of 
Universalism, and knew little of the sacrifices 
of the preacher — still there were those who 
knew and who remembered them. The 
preacher was also remembered. And after 
the lapse of seventeen years, he was invited 
to visit and spend two or three Sundays with 
the Society. He did so — and received ex- 
clusive of the promised compensation — a sum 
more than equal to the principal and interest 
of all that he had expended in early endeav- 
ors to establish Universalism among them. 
This was emphatically gathering "after many 
days," the bread that had been cast upon the 
waters, whether it be regarded in a moral, 
or a pecuniary sense. For in both, the in- 
vestment proved abundantly productive. 

Unimportant as the above facts may be 
considered in themselves — they are not with- 



238 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



out their moral, and their use. The preach- 
er of Universalism, will learn from them, 
that he should never despair — that the sacri- 
fices which he is sometimes called upon to 
make to his duty and his profession, are 
loans to a cause, which though he may perish 
will repay in full to the common heirs of life 
and truth. 

ACCESSION AND DISAPPOINTMENT. 

The experience of more than a year and 
a half, had demonstrated that there was 
ample room and encouragement for the la- 
bors of one or two additional preachers of 
Universalism, in the then three western coun- 
ties of New York. Congregations could be 
gathered in all the principal settlements; but 
with the efforts of only one individual little 
permanent progress could be made, and the 
multiplied demands for a preacher's services 
could not be supplied. Nearly two months 
between meetings — when the whole number 
of places was included and some 300 or 400 
miles travel in the time, with an average of 
nearly one sermon each day — while it was 
more than any mere human being could per- 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES* 



239 



form, would make little impression. It was 
therefore very desirable that one or two 
efficient co-workers should enter this field of 
labor; and several unsuccessful efforts were 
made to attain that object. But it was not 
until late in 1817, that Mr. L. C. Todd a 
young man known to possess what were then 
deemed superior advantages, as well as tal- 
ents, came as a visitor and commenced the 
ministry of reconciliation. 

He preached to great acceptance, and was 
becoming both useful and popular — when he 
unaccountably dashed down the high hopes 
of his friends and suspended his ministry. 
He had become perplexed and bewildered 
with speculations concerning the apparent 
evils in the physical and moral worlds, which 
he felt unable to reconcile with infinite good- 
ness. He could not satisfy himself, that it 
was consistent with the character of an in- 
finitely good Being, with infinite means* at 
his disposal, to permit the existence of so 
great and manifold evils. Without absolute- 
ly falling into the Manichean system of two 
eternal principles, good and evil— he doubted 
the infinite goodness of God; without belie v- 



240 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES, 



ing that evil was the work of a malignant 
being — he hesitated to admit that it was 
among the possible combinations of the plan 
of divine goodness. And he did, precisely 
what every honest man would do under the 
circumstances — he suspended his ministry. 

This event was exceedingly unpropitious 
to the cause of Universalism. Opposers who 
were watching every movement, with keen 
eyes and deep anxiety, seized upon it with 
ferocious haste and satisfaction. It was a 
fund on which they could draw at pleasure — 
and they used it with their utmost skill, and 
no inconsiderable success. It lowered Uni- 
versalism and especially its preachers in pub- 
lic estimation; and the effect upon believers 
and friends, was scarcely less pernicious. 

After some months, having overcame his 
difficulties and perplexities, he resumed his 
ministry, He had remained in the midst of 
the desolation which he had wrought — he 
had seen with his own eyes the prostration 
of fair hopes, and heard with his own ears 
the complaints and murmurs of those who 
wished well to him and to the cause of truth. 
But he was now satisfied that even infinite 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES'. 241 

goodness might permit the existence of great 
but temporary evils, for wise and beneficient 
ends; and he was desirous of proclaiming 
his convictions. His friends again rallied 
and gathered around him; be became an able 
minister; but the confidence of the public 
seems never to have been regained. His 
talents were appreciated and respected; but 
he did not receive that support, and com- 
mand that influence to which he was proba- 
bly entitled. And after struggling with his 
new difficulties for a few years, in a fit of 
morbid excitement he renounced both his 
principles and profession. He complained of 
the neglect and heartlessness of those in 
whom he confided — but he had forgotten 
that he had himself, contributed to the dis- 
trust which wrought these results. He 
blamed a whole people, for faults, which if 
they existed at all, were only committed by 
a few individuals. And he not only re- 
nounced all connexion and direct sympathy 
with Universalists — but he denounced them 
in a hasty publication, as unworthy of com- 
mon charity, This was too much for his 
own heart — and far beyond his own sober 
21 



242 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



convictions; and he cordially and voluntarily 
recalled his language, expressed his regret 
for the severities he had used, and without 
renewing his ministry returned to the pro- 
fession of Universalism. It is now under- 
stood, that after many years, he has again 
entered upon the ministry of reconciliation. 

RESULTS. 

The doctrine of Universal Salvation, had 
now been preached in almost every accessi- 
ble place in Western New York, as well as 
in the older parts of the State. Among the 
moving masses already settling, or the 
swarms that were pouring in to this compara- 
tively new region, it was vain to look for 
any very general, or uniform moral move- 
ment. Social habits and social affinities, were 
to be formed anew, and under new 7 circum- 
stances and relations. To live, to labor, to 
secure what was deemed a comfortable sub- 
sistence — to avert, or to endure, hardships 
and privations, were the subjects which ne- 
cessarily, and in many respects justly, en- 
grossed much attention. Yet there was a 
degree of liberality of sentiment often shown. 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



243 



that would probably have surprised those by 
whom it was exhibited, had their former as- 
sociations exerted their accustomed influence. 
But they were far removed from the scenes 
of early influences and prejudices, and the par- 
tial dissolution of the ties and restraints under 
which they had formerly lived and acted, 
left them to act in accordance with their 
new position — -to think, to hear, and to judge 
for themselves. It was in this way that 
, many felt impelled to act — at all events, in 
this manner they did act. 

Members of sects the most unlike, and 
most opposed to Universalism, attended the 
meetings of that denomination in the most 
frank and open manner; and in several in- 
stances opened their houses for lectures. — 
They invited with a cordiality then unknown 
in older communities, the preacher of Uni- 
versalism to visit them — received and treat- 
ed him with respect and kindness; and joined 
with him in devotional exercises at their fire- 
sides, as well as in the services of public 
worship. And this, certainly not because 
they were predisposed to Universalism — but 
because they were willing to know what it 



244 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



was, and whether it was as dangerous as 
some represented. 

Another consideration undoubtedly exert- 
ed great influence in these proceedings, and 
which should be carefully distinguished from 
motives of genuine liberality. The great 
majority of the population were from New 
England, and the older parts of New York; 
and alike accustomed to attend and enjoy 
the regular Sabbath worship. Their situa- 
tion now denied to them, these wonted priv- 
ileges. Few places had any regular meet- 
ings, preachers were scarce, and even that 
few, were of conflicting sects; and in many 
instances, long periods intervened between 
appointments. But the religious feeling was 
more intensely active, from the very difficul- 
ties of its gratification. Many no doubt — 
who had thought little of the importance or 
pleasure of public worship, when it might be 
attended without inconvenience, now felt the 
absence of the privilege as among the great- 
est of their many privations. To feel that 
their children might possibly grow up unac- 
customed to the quiet devotion, the human- 
izing and elevating influences of the public 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



245 



Sunday worship, was painful beyond all other 
trials. 

When therefore a religious meeting was 
appointed, it was less a matter of considera- 
tion who would preach, or to what denomina- 
tion he belonged, than that it furnished an 
opportunity of attending church. It recalled 
the scenes of a distant home, and its thou- 
sand tender associations — -the decorum that 
pervaded the old church, so often disregarded 
or transgressed — and the moral influences or 
rebukes of the preacher. Curiosity too, 
when Universalism was to be preached, lent 
its aid to all other reasons; and often added 
to the number and interest of the congrega- 
tion. When these several things are taken 
into consideration, it will be apparent that 
there was much more of seeming than of ac- 
tual liberality. 

The results then, of about two years of 
effort, in endeavors to plant Universalism in 
the western extremity of New York — were 
the organization of two societies and the gather- 
ing of some fifteen congregations where no dis- 
tinct organization was attempted. In several 
of the latter, societies would have been form- 
s' 



248 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



ed without much delay, could the meetings 
have been continued. But that was no longer 
practicable; and for years, the places where 
the public ministration of Universalism was 
known — knew it no more. To the conse- 
quent discouragement of friends, was added, 
as might be expected, the double diligence of 
opposers; and comparatively little was left 
of which to boast concerning the influence of 
liberal Christianity upon the public mind. 

But the germs of truth and hope had been 
planted deep, in many minds; and these, 
whatever might come, could never perish. — 
A work had been fully accomplished in their 
minds and hearts, which needed no repeti- 
tion, except for edification. And though 
much w T as lost for want of culture — though 
many received no deep impressions and per- 
haps identified themselves with another gos- 
pel — still these true believers continued 
steadfast, and sympathized alone with Uni- 
versalists. And they waited with patriarchal 
patience, and with the endurance which 
strong hope inspires, for the renovation of 
the ministry of eternal truth. While then 
it is natural to regret, that all the means of 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 



247 



progress were not improved, and every ad- 
vantage followed up and pushed on to its 
utmost limit; still these things had been ac- 
complished—the field had been opened; the 
work had been commenced; the great truth 
of man's final salvation from sin and suffer- 
ing, from sorrow, and from death, had been 
proclaimed; and many had believed to the 
saving of the soul. And if the inveterate 
prejudices of some, had been more deeply 
and strongly fixed, those of many others, had 
been rooted up and forever removed. The 
light of trnth had shone in upon minds and 
hearts that had long dwelt in the darkness of 
doubt and despair; and mourning spirits had 
felt the comforts of the hope that is "full of 
immortality." 

In other and older parts of the State, and 
especially in central New York, much had 
already been accomplished; as those who 
could look back a few years, had every rea- 
son to know and feel. The denominational 
horizon was daily widening and clearing, and 
brightening. New societies were springing 
into view, and those already formed were 
growing stronger and more permanent, as 



248 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES* 



well as augmenting in number. And if the 
time had not fully come- — it was at hand, 
when the healthful moral influences of eter- 
nal truth, were to be triumphantly exhibited, 
as well as felt and enjoyed, by those who 
believed. Unwilling as the religious world 
around might be, to give place, or rank, to 
the family of Universalists, it was becoming 
evident that an impartial and enlightened 
public would soon settle both by an irrevers- 
able determination. What it was, may be 
inferred by the reader — what it is, he will 
learn from the fact that there are now nearly 
three hundred societies of the order in this 
great State — what it will be, he will be at no 
loss to determine, when he recollects that all 
this has been attained in forty years. 



INDEX 



PAGE. 

Association, Western, germ of - - - 11 

u organized 12 

" sessions of 14, 19, 22, 25, 29, 54, 69, 85, 
" " " 115,148,196 

" Genesee Branch, - - 89, 167, 211 

Anecdotes — Foretaste, - 34 

" An Opinion, 65 

" Liberality and Prejudice, - - 102 

" A Mistake, ... 105 

" The Funeral, 109 

" An Acquaintance, - 121 

" Incident, - - - 164 

" The Lecture, 171 

" Mixed Congregation, - - 187 

" Not Fellowshipped - - - 190 

" Unbelievers, where - - 192 

" Fear of Moral Effects, - . 211 

" The Distillery, - - - 217 

Accessions, - 148 

" and disappointment, - - 238 

All Things to all Men^ - - - 184 



INDEX. 



249 



Churches, organization of 


- 


15 


Chautauque, - 


- 


178 


Discussion, - 


- 39,— 46, 


—50 


Faith, profession of - 


- 


14 


Itinerating, 


- 


9L 


Introduction, - - . 


- 


1G2 


Investment, ... 


■ 


235 


Influence, individual, 


- 


221 


Library and Study, 


- 


51 


Labour, new field of, 


- 


158 


" of a day, 


■ 


173 


Library, - 


- 


18L 


Meeting House, in New Hartford, 


- 


130 


" " Hudson, 


- 


197 


Ministerial support, 


78,- 


-136 


Ministers, local - 




1 AO 


Poor — provision for, 




36 


Prospects, - 




93 


Preachers, treatment of, 


* 


128 


84 Young", 




95 


Preacher, female, 


- 


31 


Revival, - 


- 


200 


Rebuke, - 


• 


225 


Results, - 


- 


242 


Sermon among acquaintance, 


- 


79 


Texts, given, 


44,- 


-230 


Test of Truth, 




75 


Teaching and Preaching, 




77 


Universalism, in New York City, 




5 


" in central New York, 




8 


" Western New York. 




87 



» *i e 1 -i o V 

A o, ' „ , v * .0 V Li 




